DISTRACTION burglars posed as police officers to get inside a woman's home.

Redbridge Police said two men knocked on the door of the 68-year-old woman in Duke Road, Ilford, yesterday afternoon (January 17) at around 2pm.

The men passed themselves off as plain-clothed officers, and told the woman they needed to search her home because they had seen some 'suspects' entering her back garden.

The men did not show any form of identification before they were allowed inside.

After searching the house the burglars left, at which point the woman noticed a small bag of gold Asian jewellery was missing.

Police are reminding residents that before police officers enter someone's home they should always show their warrant card, which includes a photograph and the Metropolitan Police badge.

Both men were white, smartly-dressed and wore gloves. One wore a black overcoat and the other wore a grey overcoat. One had short blond hair and a moustache.

Anyone with information about the theft should call Trainee Detective Constable James Nicholson 020 8345 2610 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police urge anyone who is suspicious about the identity of someone claiming to be a police officer to call 999.