Bogus policemen steal jewellery in Theydon Bois
A gang of thieves posing as police officers tricked their way into a woman's home in Essex and stole more than £10,000 worth of jewellery.
Two men dressed in white shirts, stab vests, black trousers and black shoes went to the house near Theydon Bois shortly after 1800 BST on Friday.
They claimed to have search warrants and said they were carrying out an investigation into jewellery thefts.
When the woman's partner returned and became suspicious they assaulted him.
A police spokesman said: "A woman who was alone at the house let the men in.
"One of them kept her occupied while the other man opened the front door to let in two other gang members - both dressed in black hoodies and black trousers - who started searching bedrooms.
"But when the victim's partner returned a few minutes later he suspected that the men were not officers and told them to leave.
"He was assaulted as the thieves fled from the house with a five-figure sum of jewellery."
Detectives have appealed for information about the four men who may have used a car or van and would have been in Hobbs Cross Road, Abridge Road or Coopersale Lane between 1745 BST and 1830 BST.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex Police.