A CON ARTIST stole around £27,000 of jewellery from two house-sellers while pretending to view their homes.

Essex Police are warning homeowners and estate agents to be vigilant after the thief struck properties in Rayleigh and Rochford.

The homeowners were left “shocked and upset” after a man, who had been left alone in their properties, snatched designer watches from their bedrooms.

The first con happened in Rochford last Tuesday, when estate agents met a man at a house near Sutton Road Cemetery.

They were greeted by the homeowner who allowed the so-called buyer to look-round the house alone.

It is believed the crook took the opportunity to snatch two Cartier watches worth a total of £20,000 from the bedroom.

The second theft happened at a house off Great Wheatley Road in Rayleigh on the afternoon of April 24.

An estate agent met a man posing as a potential buyer and allowed him to wander around the property alone.

While he was upstairs he snatched a watch worth £7,000.

Officers will be visiting estate agents personally to warn them of this technique.

Investigation officer, Pc Claire Chambers said although there is no evidence the crimes are linked they are unusual.

She is investigating the possibility they were committed by the same man.

She said: “On each occasion, the man has left false details with the estate agents.

“We only have one description so we’re not sure if it is the same person, two men working together or they are operating independently of each other.

“Our message to estate agents and people selling their homes is to always accompany potential buyers throughout a viewing, following them into each room and never allowing them or their partners to wander off on their own to other parts of the property.”

The man who viewed the Rayleigh was white with tanned skin.

Anyone with information in connection with these thefts is urged to contact investigating officers at Rayleigh police station on 101.