A crook posing as a police officer duped an elderly couple into believing they had been been burgled - and then stole a wad of cash from their drawer when they let him inside the property.

The burglary happened at about 4.40pm on Tuesday (January 26) in a road off Sutton Lane, Banstead, when the conman told the elderly couple they had been burgled.

He offered to show the pensioners, aged 83 and 84, the damage and followed the couple into the house.

Once inside the property the fake officer stole a large quantity of money from a chest of drawers.

Police have this week released an e-fit of the burglar and have described him as being of mixed race, aged 40 years, of stocky build and with short dark hair. He was wearing a dark grey and white jacket.

Surrey Police is now are asking relatives, friends, and neighbours to remain vigilant for anyone attempting to con their way into the homes of the vulnerable and elderly.

In a separate incident five days later another couple, in Tandridge, was targeted by a man also pretending to be a police officer.

Detective Sergeant Lee Pocock, from the oro-active investigation team, said: “On both occasions the conmen gained entry to the properties by claiming they had already been victims of crime and the suspects were there to help them.

“Surrey Police officers always carry their warrant cards with them and have identification readily available to prove who they are. In circumstances like this, when you believe you have been a victim of crime, it may be easy to forget to ask for identification, but it is so important elderly and vulnerable residents remain vigilant at all time.

“We have just concluded Operation Golden which was a three-month initiative aimed at reducing the number of distraction burglaries across the region during which our message has remained consistent ‘If in doubt keep them out’.

“I would also urge members of the public to watch out for anyone acting suspiciously in their area or perhaps challenge someone you don’t recognise calling at an elderly neighbour’s house. By working together we can ensure vulnerable members of our community are safe and those who prey on them are locked up.”

Anyone concerned a caller at their door might be a bogus one should dial 999 immediately.