Essex Police are appealing for information about a distraction burglary in Harlow last week.

Two men knocked at the home of a 77-year-old man on Monday, September 18 at around 3.20pm and insisted that his garden fence needed painting.

Whilst one of the suspects was in conversation with the victim, the other entered the man’s living room and removed some items of jewellery from the table.

Both suspects then left the scene.

The suspects have been described as being white, aged in their 30s and around 5ft 10ins tall with short brown hair.

One of the suspects wore grey tracksuit bottoms and a green bomber jacket and the other wore jeans and a dark blue or black bomber jacket.

Investigating officer Pc Carlo Marchione, of Harlow CID, said: “This was a particularly brazen burglary where the suspects have knocked at the home of their elderly victim’s home in the middle of the day and have posed as painters.

“One of the suspects has then continued to engage the man in conversation while the other has searched through his home and stolen valuable jewellery.

“These individuals could target other elderly and vulnerable people in the area and I urge anyone with information to Harlow CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”