THOUSANDS of pounds were stolen from an elderly couple by men posing as gardeners.
Three men arrived at an address in Main Road, Hockley, last Friday morning.
After carrying out work in the garden, two of the men distracted the victims, who are both in their 80s, before the third went upstairs, stealing thousands of pounds of cash.
Officers investigating the devastating burglary have released descriptions of the three suspects.
An Essex Police spokesman said: “Officers investigating a distraction burglary in Hockley area appealing for witnesses or anyone with footage or information to come forward.
“It was reported three men driving a white or grey flat bed truck pulled up outside an address in Main Road, Hockley, between 9am and 9.30am on Friday, May 12.
“They then carried out work in the garden of the address before going inside to speak to the victims who are both in their 80s.
“It was reported while two of the men spoke to the victims, the third went upstairs and stole a four-figure sum of cash.”
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Describing the suspects, they continued: “The men are all described as being white.
“One is in his late teens to early 20s, 5ft 4ins tall, slim with fair hair, clean shave, and wearing glasses with an off-white coloured frame.
“The second is described being in his late 30s and 5ft 8ins tall, of stocky build, with short/shaven hair, and wearing an orange high-viz t-shirt.
“The third is also described as being in his late 30s and 5ft 8ins tall but with ginger hair and beard, and also wearing an orange high-viz t-shirt.
“If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.
“Please quote the crime reference number 42/85267/23.”
Reports can be made on the Essex Police website or by using the force’s online Live Chat service, which is available Monday to Friday between 10am and 9pm, at essex.police.uk/digital101 or by calling 101.
Anonymous reports can be made by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.
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