DISTRACTION burglars struck in Penn on Saturday by telling a resident his dog had escaped from home.

At approximately 10pm on Saturday, a woman posing as a local resident approached the occupant of the property in Elm Lane, Penn. She then suggested his dog had escaped.

At the same time, a man searched the house and escaped with the occupant’s passport.

The man is described as white, between 5ft 11ins and 6ft in height and of very slim build. He is aged in his late 20s and wore a camouflaged jacket.

The woman is described as white, approximately 5ft tall, slim and fair, with collar length hair. She is aged in her late teens or early 20s.

The occupant of the house then retrieved his pet from a couple who claimed to have found the dog on the street.

Det Con Damien Eatwell, investigating the burglary, said: ”I urge anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information that may help us with our investigation to contact me at High Wycombe police station on 0845 8 505 505. I am particularly keen to speak to the couple who returned the dog to its owner.

"My advice to residents is: stop, chain and check. Stop and think when a stranger calls; check your security chain is on before you open the door and check the caller's identity before opening."

Anyone with information can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.