POLICE are warning residents across Redbridge to be on their guard after a thief stole a man's car in Ilford by pretending he wanted to take it for a test drive.

The man, who lives in Malvern Drive, Ilford, was approached at his home by a young Asian man after putting an advert for his BMW in Auto Trader magazine.

The conman claimed he was a mechanic and asked to look at the engine, which officers believe was a ploy to get the man to get his car keys out.

With the keys in the car and the engine running, the crook asked if he could take the vehicle for a test drive.

The man agreed and went into his home to change his shoes, at which point the thief leapt into the car and sped off.

The car was later found in Oulten Crescent, Barking, with false number plates attached.

DS John Jung, of Redbridge Police, said: "If an individual is going to visit your home insist on taking their telephone number and call them back as at least you will have a telephone number.

"It is advisable to do your best to establish the identity of any one taking your vehicle for a 'test drive'.

"This could be a driving licence, utility bill and off course it is your responsibility to check that the person is insured to drive your vehicle or you could be committing an offence on permitting no insurance.

"Check that they have a valid insurance certificate which allows them to drive your vehicle."

He added: "Take reasonable steps to clarify the identity of an individual that you may wish to sell your vehicle to.

"Often your instincts are correct and if things don’t feel right then perhaps they are not.

"Off course if you do sell a vehicle then you must notify DVLA."

The police's suspect is described as aged 20 to 30 years old, is around 5ft8 tall with a "designer beard".

He is also believed to wear blue contact lenses.

Anyone with any information about the incident should contact DS John Jung on 8345 1624.