The woman was robbed of her car at knifepoint

Police have asked residents to look out for vulnerable people after a man tried to rob an elderly couple’s home pretending to be an officer.

The man knocked on the door of the couple on July 16, showed them a gold badge with a photo ID and claimed to be from Whitechapel CID.

He said that due to rising burglary and robbery in the area he needed to look around and leave some “micro-chipped” bank notes.

The couple allowed him in but nothing was taken as they do not keep valuables in their home.

Investigating officer Det Con Trevor Guy of Barking and Dagenham CID said: “If you care for an elderly or vulnerable person please make sure that they have contact details for their Safer Neighbourhoods Team and know to dial 999 if a caller is suspicious.

“People who commit this crime prey on the trusting nature of more vulnerable members of our community and will tell all manner of lies to get in. Remember, if there is any doubt at all, keep them out.”

Visit met.police.uk/site/saferneighbourhoods for information on your SNT.