Burglars posing as cops, police warn

Their first victim was an 87-year-old woman in Worton Way, Isleworth, who was woken by the noise of the break-in. When she confronted the men they claimed they were from the police.

At about 9pm an 85-year-old heard a noise from the hallway of her home in Wesley Avenue, Hounslow. When she disturbed the burglars they again said they were cops and asked where she kept her money.

The burglars are all white men. One is aged 40-45, about 5ft7 and had short dark hair. He was wearing a black top and flat cap. Another is 30-35, about 5ft8 and had short brown hair. The third is 20-25, 5ft11 and had short dark hair and a dark top with a white emblem.

Inspector Manpreet Bains, of Hounslow Police, said: "These are despicable acts. These people have targeted the most vulnerable people in our community.

"Please help us to catch these people before they try to steal from any other elderly resident."

Anyone with information is asked to call Hounslow CID on 0208 247 6160 or Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555 111.