HEARTLESS thieves conned an elderly widow into opening her front door and stole jewellery, including a Royal Marines ring belonging to her late husband. The 83-year-old was left distraught after the tricksters, possibly a mother and daughter, drew her sym

HEARTLESS thieves conned an elderly widow into opening her front door and stole jewellery, including a Royal Marines ring belonging to her late husband.

The 83-year-old was left distraught after the tricksters, possibly a mother and daughter, drew her sympathy by claiming one was pregnant and needed the toilet.

She sneaked her way into her upstairs bedroom and stole nine pieces of jewellery.

The items, including necklaces, engagement rings and one engraved with a Marines crest, were inexpensive.

Police are appealing for information in tracing the thieves and the jewellery taken from the house in Alleyndale Road, Dagenham, at 12.40pm on January 22.

Det Con Melanie Bennett said: "Luckily, all the family came round and spent time with her including her son. She's not on her own.

"Items stolen belonged to her late husband, like the ring, but it was mainly her jewellery like engagement rings. It's a lot of memories."

The two women said their car had broken down and asked to use the lavatory, adding that the baby was due in April.

The pensioner said the younger woman, in her early 20s, had a bulging tummy, but did not look particularly pregnant.

Det Con Bennett said: "We're encouraging people not to allow others into their homes, no matter what the reason might be. They said they wanted to use the toilet, so she felt sorry for them and let them in."

The older thief is aged between 40 and 50 and both spoke with east London accents.

Anyone with information, is asked to call Barking CID on 020 8217 7735 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.