Burglars pretending to be Custom and Excise workers stole money from a shop in High Wycombe while distracting the owner.

A man and a woman entered NN News in Desborough Road on Tuesday claiming to be searching for illegal cigarettes, before taking cash from inside the cupboards of the store, while the victim was distracted by another person.

After entering the shop at 5pm, the man searched various cupboards whilst the woman prevented other people entering the building.

He took cash from inside the cupboards and then they left the shop, police say.

A third man was with them and chatted to the owner as the cupboards were searched and then left the shop.

The victim only realised money had been taken after the offenders left and he reported it to the police.

The first offender is a man in his forties, white, 5ft 9ins, slim with brown hair. He was wearing a brown jacket, green shirt with dark trousers. The second offender is a woman in her late twenties, white, with black shoulder-length hair. She was wearing a black top and black trousers.

Investigating officer, Det Con Kim Woods of Force CID High Wycombe, said: “This was a distressing incident for the victim. I would ask anyone who has any information about this incident to contact police on 101.

“If business owners have concerns about the identity of people visiting them please contact police on 101 and we advise that all cash should be kept securely.”

Alternatively, speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.