NINE people in Brentwood have been targeted by scammers posing as police over the phone in December. 

Essex Police are continuing their investigations into the scam which has seen £274,000 stolen across the council from more than 80 people tricked out of money.

Fraudsters ring homes, mainly of elderly residents, pretending to be Met Police officers.

They then ask for bank details and to collect bank cards through a courier to use as "evidence” before using the cards to steal money from the accounts.

Since January 530 reports of theft and attempted theft linked to the scam have been reported to police and Insp Paul Wells warning people to stay vigilent if they suspect dodgy dealings.

"We need people to tell elderly friends and family about this offence," he said.

"It’s easily guarded against by hanging up the phone."

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Operation Sleaford team at Grays police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.