Police are appealing for information following a distraction burglary in Hounslow where gold jewellery with a believed value of £44,500 was taken from a home.

Police were called at approximately 2:00pm on Thursday, 23 September to reports of a distraction burglary at a residential property in Avonwick Road, Hounslow.

The burglary occurred between 12:47pm and 13:53pm while an elderly homeowner was at home alone.

One suspect spoke to the occupant at the door and said they were coming to check the pipes due to a leak next door.

He left the door open for two other suspects to enter.

After a length of time the suspect's left the property with a safe containing £5,000 cash and a quantity of gold jewellery, believed to be valued at approximately £44,500.

Suspect one has been described as a white man, slim build, clean shaven wearing a blue jacket, dark coloured trousers and a blue baseball hat.

Suspect two is described as a white man, heavy build, grey top, blue baseball hat, dark trousers, and dark coloured gloves.

Suspect three is a white man, slim build, light blue t-shirt, green/grey puffer jacket, dark trousers, and a lighter coloured baseball hat.

PC Gregg Davies, West Area Burglary Team said: "We want to remind the public to be vigilant against distraction burglars, who often prey on the elderly and vulnerable.

"Distraction burglars pose as someone with fake ID, or a uniform, to gain your trust and access your home under a false pretense to steal.

"They may also pose as working for a utility company or give an excuse to distract the occupier. If you have been a victim of this type of crime, please contact us."

Police asked if you can help identify the suspects, if you have any information or have been offered these pieces of jewellery, to call 101 and quote CAD 3838/23Sept.

Alternatively tweet @MetCC, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.