POLICE are warning householders in Wellington to be on the alert for two conmen posing as police officers.

The bogus officials called at a home in the town at around 3.45pm last Thursday pretending to investigate a case of fake money.

One of the false officers flashed a bronze badge at the elderly couple as proof of identity, while the other had silver handcuffs looped over his trouser belt.

The owners allowed the men into the house, and they asked to see any cash the couple owned.

But when the men were informed there was no money in the house, they lost interest and left empty-handed, driving away in a blue Vauxhall Cavalier.

The first man is described as white, stocky, aged 40, 5ft 9ins, with black hair, possibly a wig, wearing a long dark coat. The second was white, of medium build, 6ft, also aged 40, with short-cropped hair and a goatee beard, and wearing a long dark overcoat.

Householders are warned to use the doorstep code by employing a doorchain and asking to see positive identification of all callers.

If there is any doubt genuine callers will not mind waiting while residents make a telephone call to confirm ID.

Anyone who may recognise either of the two men who called in Wellington should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.