BURGLARS claiming to be disabled and selling Christmas cards conned their way into a man’s flat in Marlow last week and stole a large amount of money.

Police have released e-fit images of two men wanted in connection with the distraction burglary in Little Marlow Road last Tuesday and issued a warning to residents to be on the lookout.

The men approached the flat at 6pm on Tuesday and told the male victim they were offering cards and household items on behalf of Wycombe College.

They produced a licence saying they were disabled, claiming it gave them authority to sell the goods.

 Once inside, they persuaded him to make a purchase.

The duo then suggested the victim fetched some food, and on his return, said they would have to leave and check the price of the goods.

After the burglars had driven off in a small red car, the victim realised his moneybox containing a large amount of money had been stolen.

Det Con Carl Wilson of CID at High Wycombe police station said, “Selling door to door is a common technique used by burglars when looking for prospective victims like the elderly or vulnerable as it is a way to gain entry to properties.

“Often the offenders will have with them some form of licence to assist the deception. If they do not gain entry to the premises they will try to sell household items such as dusters or cleaning implements sometimes at inflated prices.

“Be wary of cold callers, if you are uncomfortable with the authenticity of someone that is knocking on your door you have the right to ask them to leave, do not let them into your house.”

The first suspect is white, in his late thirties/early forties, about 6ft, and of medium build with short fuzzy brown hair.

He was wearing a waist-length denim jacket, blue cardigan and white T-shirt and was carrying a large black holdall.

The second man is black, in his twenties, muscular build, about 6ft 5ins, with a round face and either extremely short hair or a shaven head.

He was wearing a blue denim jacket with a white T-shirt and was carrying a large black holdall. He spoke with a local accent and was animated in his demeanour.

Anyone with any information on the crime should contact Det Con Wilson via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Line on 101.