POLICE are warning people to beware of thieves distracting them on the street after a woman’s £200 necklace was stolen.

The woman, who is in her 70s, was gardening in Ongar High Street when a passing woman struck up a conversation with her between 4pm and 4.30pm on Monday.

Police believe an accomplice then stole the woman’s gold chain necklace.

The two suspects are described as white women, aged between 40 and 60. One had dark brown hair and was of heavy build and the other spoke with a foreign accent.

Tony Ellis, police crime reduction advisor for Epping Forest, said: “If you are approached in this way by strangers, you should not engage them in conversation but simply turn and walk away from them.

“The key is to keep space between them and you. If you don’t engage, they will most likely turn and leave.”

Anyone with information about this crime or who saw any suspicious behaviour in the High Street on Monday afternoon, to contact officers at Harlow police station on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.