BOGUS policemen have stolen cash from a woman's handbag in a distraction burglary in High Wycombe.

Two men pretending to be police officers knocked on the front door of the woman's home in Hollis Road and told her they were looking for a burglar. Once inside the house, they stole cash from her handbag.

Officer say one of the men was wearing a black fabric jacket with POLICE' written on the back in white letters.

The burglary happened between 5pm and 6pm on Tuesday.

Police are warning people to be vigilant and ask all unknown callers to their homes for identification, even if they say they are from the police.

Further advice is to borrow the policeman's identification card, close the door and call the police enquiry centre to cross reference the details.

Marianne Shaw, police communications officer, said: "All Thames Valley Police officers are happy to wait outside while you check their ID. Ask any unknown caller without ID to come back - never let them in without checking."

Anyone with information about the burglary in Hollis Road should call PC Matt Myers via the police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.