AN elderly couple were the latest victims of a distraction burglary in which a balaclava-clad thug stole £10,000 of antiques.

While one man called round to the house in Seymour Court Road, Marlow, and kept the couple talking, another masked raider sneaked in through the back door and stole the valuable antiques.

The couple quickly became suspicious of the man at the front door and closed it, but when the elderly man went to the back of his house he was confronted by the man in a balaclava.

The thug then fled, but the burglars are believed to have made off with £10,000 of antiques, including two tables and two clocks.

The burglary took place last Tuesday at 4pm and police are warning pensioners to be extremely vigilant.

Kate Spark, spokesman for Chiltern Vale Police, said: "The couple are obviously very distressed.

"People who commit these types of crimes will try all sorts of distraction techniques to gain entry to people's homes.

"It is vital that elderly people remain on their guard when these experienced callers arrive.

"The people who commit these offences tend to operate in groups.

"One person distracts an elderly resident at the front door while the other tries to gain entry round the back."

One man, who spoke with a slight lisp, is described as being of Eastern European appearance, in his early 20s, approximately 5ft 10ins tall, of slight build, clean-shaven with short dark hair.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is urged to contact DS Colin Seaton or DC Jane McIntosh on 01494 465888 or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111