Burglars posing as gardeners have stolen tens of thousands of pounds from an elderly woman.

The 86-year-old victim had arranged for work to be carried out at her home in Kensington Road, Southend.

Three men using a large, plain white van arrived at about 1.50pm on Friday, August 10.

One asked for a deposit for the work, then asked to use the toilet.

The victim later found a five figure sum of cash had been taken from a bedroom.

Investigating officer PC Ian Hopgood said: “This type of crime is particularly callous and distressing because the criminals prey on vulnerable victims who believe they are genuine tradesmen.

“I am appealing for anyone who saw these men in the area, or has seen anyone acting suspiciously, to please get in touch.

“I also ask people to please be vigilant and to take a few simple precautions to protect themselves and their homes.

“Please do not keep large amounts of cash in your home and do not leave any doors open and unattended.

“If you need to have any work carried out, get a number of quotes and contact a Buy With Confidence accredited trader.

"Also check that companies have a registered address or legitimate company site, and not just a mobile phone number as a contact.”

For more advice visit essex.police.uk

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact PC Hopgood at Southend CID on 101 quoting reference 42/115279/18.