Alert issued after burglars pose as police officers

Two intruders claiming to be police officers broke into a home and escaped with cash and watches.

Avon and Somerset Police said the occupants interrupted the break-in at the house on Ellan Hay Road in Bradley Stoke, Bristol, at about 16:00 GMT on Wednesday.

The two men claimed to be police responding to a burglary. They were not in uniform, did not show any identification, and left soon afterwards, police said.

The force subsequently issued an alert to advise the public that they are entitled to call 101 to verify whether a police officer on their doorstep is genuine.

Avon and Somerset Police said: "Criminals may claim to be police officers or from utility companies to lull people into a false sense of security.

"Any genuine police officer - or other professional visiting your home - will expect to show you identification and to wait while you call 101 - or their main switchboard - to verify it if you're unsure.

"Please make your family or friends aware of this, and if you see someone acting suspiciously at a neighbour's property, call us straight away."

Enquiries into the burglary continue, and officers are asking for anyone who was in the area and saw anything suspicious, or has dashcam or other relevant footage, to get in touch.

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