A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER who was conned by bogus policemen has been reunited with a treasured bracelet.

Cliftonville's Isobella James was heartbroken when a charm bracelet given to her by her late husband Darrell was stolen by burglars posing as policemen.

Mrs James, 88, was given back her beloved jewellery last week after police recovered a number of stolen valuables following a BBC Crimewatch appeal.

Mrs James's son, Geoff Lyold-James, said: "It was very special. My parents collected charms to put on it every time they went on holiday somewhere, so each charm has a special meaning.

"It was a pretty low act by the criminals who did it. It's called a distraction theft.

"The two men told her they were from the police and, while one of them took her around her house under the pretence of checking windows, the other is alleged to have been going through her things.

"She took them at face value and it was only because she mentioned it to a friend that we checked with the police and found out what had happened."

Acting DS Marc Cananur handed the bracelet back to Mrs James at Margate police station on Friday.

Great-grandmother-of-three Mrs James, who moved to Thanet from her native Northern Ireland five years ago, said: "I was shocked and worried when I found out what had happened to me. I'm very pleased to have it back and I'll be keeping it very safe from now on.

"I'd really like to say thanks to the police, who have been very helpful."

Mr Cananur said: "This incident was particularly frustrating because we have done great work in building up public confidence and an incident like this can affect that work.

"I am very happy to be able to give the jewellery back to Mrs James and, I know it's a cliché, but it's one of those things that makes the job worthwhile."

Three men have been arrested and remanded in custody in connection with more than 60 thefts. They await trial.