AN 84-year-old woman was distracted by a man at her front door while his accomplice sneaked in and stole £175 cash.

The caller went round to the woman's house in Abbey Barn Road, High Wycombe, at around 12.20pm on May 3, asking for a man called Darren.

He said that a man living in the road was supposed to be helping him build a fence. But as he spoke to the woman, another man went round the back of the house and slipped in the back door, taking her handbag containing the cash.

Both men were white. One was wearing a blue shirt and the other was around 20 years old with blonde hair and a slim face.

Police believe the culprits sped off in a green-coloured car down Mead Way.

Police spokesman Kate Spark said residents should ensure they always lock doors and windows and try not to keep large sums of money in the house.

She added: "It only takes seconds for a thief to enter into your home through the back door and steal a handbag or wallet."

Call police on 01494 465888 with information