CCTV appeal after man posed as police officer to dupe elderly residents at doorstep

He duped elderly people into letting him into their homes during burglaries in Sandwell and Birmingham.

Once inside he has searched the property and stole cash, jewellery and credit cards.

It is thought he carries fake ID and claims to be an under-cover officer needing to use a home as a lookout.

CCTV footage has been released from a burglary that happened in Moseley, Birmingham, last month.

Police say the clip shows the suspect and the offending vehicle used.

The man has been described as white, around 6ft tall and of a heavy build, a number of victims have stated that he had a large 'pot belly'.

Detectives are linking 13 burglaries that have happened since March - four in Sandwell, four in Birmingham and five more in Coventry.

It is also believed that he has an accomplice who acts as his lookout and the two men have driven away in a car similar to a silver Rover 45 or 400.

Detective Constable Tom Lyons, from West Midlands Police's CID, said: "The worrying thing is that the man appears to have some kind of fake identification with him.

"The victims say that he is very convincing and on nearly all occasions he claims that he is an under-cover officer and needs to use the house as a surveillance lookout.

"What is unusual is that the offences have happened across the West Midlands and not in one specific area.

"We really need people to come forward if they have any information so that we can put a stop to his crimes.

"This is a cowardly crime where he is targeting vulnerable people and he is impersonating a police officer.

"We would advise people to be vigilant when they have callers at the door. If they have anyone claiming to be a police officer then please call us on 101 so we can check their identity out for you.

"Do not open the door until this has been confirmed. If the officer is genuine they will happily wait for you to confirm their identity. If they are not who they say they are it will also alert us and allow us to send officers out straight away to catch these unscrupulous thieves."

CCTV footage has been released from a burglary that happened in Wake Green Road on March 28.

Anyone with information is urged to call West Midlands Police on 101. Or if they have someone at their door and they feel they are acting suspiciously then please call 999.