POLICE have issued a warning about security after a distraction burglary in Evesham when two men posed as police officers.

An elderly man was alone in a bedroom at his home in Cheltenham Road during last Thursday afternoon while his wife was out when he heard someone. He opened an internal door to be confronted by two men who claimed they were police officers.

They said they had seen someone in his house and they were checking to see if he was still there.

After the two men left, the man, who was in his mid-70s, discovered that £200 had been stolen.

The men were described as white, in their late 20s or early 30s, and one spoke with a slight Irish accent.

Crime risk manager Mike Stephenson advised householders: "When a caller comes to the house, use a spy hole or chain on the door so that you can find out who they are before they enter. They may claim to be builders, or from the gas or electricity boards, but don't let them in unless you are sure who they are.

"Always ask to see the identification and, if in doubt, check it out by ringing their local office. Don't use the number of the identity card but look it up in the phone book. While you do this, leave the caller outside. If you are worried about the caller, contact the police."

He said another way to help stay safe was never to keep money in the house and don't keep a cheque book and cheque card together as a thief who stole both could use the card to forge a cheque signature.

Anyone with information about the Cheltenham Road incident should contact PC Gordon Highway on 01905 723888 quoting c/567939.