Opportunist thieves are believed to have taken advantage of a front door being left open by mistake to steal £180 pension money as an elderly couple slept in their Harold Hill home.

The pair, aged 88 and 94, awoke to find the money missing from the Charlbury Crescent, house.

There were no signs of a forced entry and police believe the burglars could have got in through the unsecured front door.

Now they are urging all residents, but especially the elderly, to be extra vigilant about locking up their homes securely both day and night.

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