An elderly woman and a couple were threatened during two suspected aggravated burglaries targeting Asian Gold over the weekend.

The first incident on Friday, September 20, involved two men barging into an 81-year-old’s bedroom at her home in Winsford Terrace, Great Cambridge, at around 9.30pm.

A sharp weapon was held to her face and she was threatened before valuables were demanded.

One of the men then forcibly pulled off four bangles from each of her two wrists as the other man rifled through her belongings in the other rooms.

The terrified victim warned that police were on their way and the men fled through a rear garden and climbed over a wall.

The victim suffered bruising to her arms from the force of the bangles being removed. She was otherwise not seriously injured.

The second incident happened on Sunday, 22 September at a couple’s home around 9.00pm in Cartercatch Lane, Enfield.

A 53-year-old woman was downstairs when she heard loud banging at the front door. As she stood up the door was opened and a man demanded money and gold.

The man began searching the house for valuables, despite the victim’s protests that there were none. She was forced to lead him to the master bedroom and he rummaged through drawers and cupboards before slapping her in the face and demanding money.

Her 65-year-old husband was in another room and was confronted by two men armed with hammers and ordered to get to the floor. They too demanded cash and gold and threatened to kill him.

The three suspects then made off from the home.

Police believe the two suspected aggravated burglaries are linked.

The suspects are described as white men, aged between 20 – 35 years, and wearing bandanas.

No arrests have been made.

Detective Inspector Paul Ridley from North Area CID is leading the investigation. He said: “The offences occurred minutes away from each other along the ‘A10 corridor.’ I believe the suspects will have used a vehicle and the main road as a conduit to provide an accessible access and escape route.

“If you witnessed the offenders arriving or leaving, or know who is responsible then come forward as a priority. My investigation team will continue to follow every line of enquiry. I want these men caught; to target people in their homes, the places where they should feel most safe, is despicable and pure cowardice.

“I can reassure residents that increased patrols have been deployed in the area. These burglaries targeted high-value Asian gold and I would strongly recommend that residents review their home security in line with the burglary prevention advice which has been issued by the Metropolitan Police Service, particularly at this time of the year with Dwali fast-approaching.

“I would also urge any members of the public who may have been offered the stolen jewellery for sale or have CCTV or dashcam footage of the burglars to approach Police.”

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact North Area CID via 101, or by tweeting @MetCC.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Burglary advice is available on the Met's website at www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/residential-burglary