A pensioner had her designer handbags and cheque book stolen during a distraction burglary in north London.
The 81-year-old victim opened the door of her home in Albert Street, Mornington Crescent, to a man claiming he was a working on the property next door.
The man said water may have leaked into her home and after entering the property, told the victim there was water damage in several rooms.
Police said while the elderly woman was distracted in one of the rooms, another man entered her house and took valuable items.
While speaking to a third man on the phone about the alleged water damage, the two men in her home left.
The victim did not realise what had happened until after the men had left her home.
A Metropolitan Police Service spokesman said: “The main suspect (1) who distracted the victim is described as a white male, in his 50s, 5ft 10ins tall, of a stocky build with a round face and short light brown hair.
“He was clean shaven and was wearing a black coat and identified himself as ‘Mr Barrister.’
“The suspect (2) who phoned the victim stating she did not have to pay for repairs called himself ‘Mr Bailey.’”
The alleged incident happened at about 4.30pm on February 17.
Detective Constable Dan Guntrip said: “This has been a frightening ordeal for the victim and I would like to hear from anyone that may have information or saw these suspects in the area.
“These people often target the most vulnerable in our community and its important to check that those claiming to be tradesmen are genuine, bogus callers succeed because they sound believable.”
Anyone with any information should contact DC Guntrip at Camden CID on 0208 733 6587 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
