BURGLARS claiming to be from the council have stolen a man's debit card.

Two men visited a flat in Vanguard Way, Braintree.

They showed ID, claiming to be from the council.

Once inside the house one of the burglars checked the water and stayed with the homeowner, whilst the other wandered around the flat.

After an hour the burglars left and the homeowner discovered his debit card and watch had been stolen.

It happened between 2.30pm and 4pm on February 19.

Essex Police have released an e-fit of one man they would like to speak to in connection with the burglary. 

A spokesman from Braintree Council said: "Legitimate callers, including council workers, always carry ID and will not mind if you shut and lock the door while you verify that they are genuine. 

"Ask for their name, the department they work in and phone Braintree Council on 01376 552525 to verify that the person at your door is a bona-fide officer. 

"If you mention that you are going to call the council to verify their identity, a valid officer will be happy to wait whereas it is likely that a bogus caller will disappear quickly. 

"Please try and note a brief description of the person at the door and give this to the police if the caller proves not to be a bona-fide officer.”

Anyone who recognises the man in the photo or has any information is asked to contact Pc Gemma White at Braintree police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.