Kent Police advising residents to be aware of distraction burglars

Detectives from Kent Police are advising residents to be aware of distraction burglars following a number of incidents across east Kent.

Over the past several weeks, vulnerable residents have been targeted in Dover, Folkestone, Ashford, Thanet and Canterbury.

Detective Sergeant Pip Richardson said: "Whilst crime of this nature is rare in east Kent, there are a number of things people can do to avoid becoming a victim of a distraction burglary.

"People who commit this sort of crime target vulnerable people and try to con their way into their houses by claiming to be offering help. Representatives from water, gas and electric companies rarely visit without appointments. Always ask for identification and check it carefully, even if they have a pre-arranged appointment.

"If you have any doubts about whether the caller is genuine, look up the number in the phone book or a recent bill and check it against the card the caller has given you. You could also ask them to come back at a time that is convenient for you, when you can have someone else with you - a genuine caller will not mind coming back."

The latest incident is reported to have happened on Tuesday 4 June in Dover. At about 8.15pm a man knocked on a door of a property in London Road, belonging to a couple in their 70s, claiming to be from a water company. The man told the resident there was a problem with their water system and did not offer any form of identification. The man was let into the property and shut the door. It is thought the man did not securely shut the door which has allowed a second man to enter the property. Both men left the property together when the residents saw the second man. A number of items were reported stolen, including a purse and £200 worth of cash.

The first suspect is described as a white man, aged 18 to 24, about 5ft 4in tall, short brown hair, clean shaven and of medium build. He was wearing a plain light coloured long sleeved shirt and light coloured trousers.

The second suspect is described as a white man, aged about 40, 5ft 8in tall, short brown hair, clean shaven, of stocky build and was wearing a black anorak and dark coloured trousers.

Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident or other recent incidents in the east of the county are asked to contact DS Pip Richardson at Kent Police by calling 101.

To report information about bogus callers and rogue traders :

If you think you have a bogus caller at your door call 999
To give information about a possible bogus caller call the police on 101
If you have information about a rogue trader, have agreed to have work done or need advice about work carried out already, contact Trading Standards via the Citizens' Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06.