A FAMILY who had £15,600 worth of their property stolen in a burglary last week may have had their home scoped out by the thieves in the preceding days.
The family's house in Redford Avenue, Coulsdon, was broken into at around 4pm on Wednesday, November 14.
Cash, bank cards, passports and jewellery were all stolen in the raid.
The family, which has not been named by the police, said three unfamiliar men had separately stopped by the house, on November 9, 11 and 13.
They said the first caller said he thought it was a friend's house, the second asked whether he could buy fireworks, and the third whether their car was for sale.
Police said the three unknown callers did not appear to visit other properties in the road.
All were described as being between 20 and 30 years old.
One was described as slim, wearing dark clothing and a beanie hat.
The second was said to be six feet tall, wearing a white shirt and dark trousers, and possibly speaking with a Welsh or Scottish accent.
The third was said to be 5ft 5ins tall, wearing dark clothing and a baseball cap.
Sutton's Crime Prevention Officer, PC Duncan Harris, said: "If anyone calls at your home with enquiries that seem so odd or unusual that they make you suspicious, then close the door on them, make a note of their description and any vehicle registration number, and call police immediately on 999."
Police are appealing for information about the break-in.
Anyone who can help is asked to call Sutton's Burglary and Robbery Investigation Team on 020 8649 0777, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.