The hunt is on to find a gang of jewellery thieves who have been targeted members of the Asian community in Brent.

Police are warning people to be on their guard following several reports of the two women and a man carrying out the thefts by using a sleight of hand method.

The trio wait in a car at the side of the road before approaching their victims and engaging them in conversation.

While they talk to them they use an excuse to place fake necklaces around their victim’s neck before taking it back with the valuable jewellery.

Victims have given various descriptions but the suspects are believed to be a white woman with an Arabic accent who is in her early 40s, 5ft 6 in tall, with brown eyes, a gold tooth and wearing a dark robe and a green/pink hijab.

The second female is dressed identically, but of a thinner build and in her 30s. She has several gold teeth.

The man is white, early 30s, with a stocky build, clean shaven, short blonde hair, white star stud in ears, blue jeans and wearing a white T-shirt.

PC Jay Hannigan, investigating officer, said: “Firstly, I would like to urge members of the Asian community not to wear or have on show expensive jewellery which could be attractive not only to this gang but also other criminals who ply their trade on the streets.

“If anyone sees this gang or anything which raises suspicion please call 999 if safe to do so.”