CCTV images released in connection with distraction burglaries

Police investigating a series of recent distraction burglaries in the Dover district have released CCTV images of two men they would like to speak to as they may have information.

Two men, claiming to be from the water board, visited elderly residents in Deal and the surrounding villages of Martin Mill, St Margaret's, Wingham and Ash. These all occurred between 11am and 4pm on Monday (23 March 2015).

One of the men knocks on the front door and tells the victim that there was a leak along the road and that they need to enter the property to turn off the stopcock. Alternatively, the resident/owner is asked to turn their taps on and off.

Whilst the victim is distracted, the second man searches the home looking for items to steal. In these cases, cash and a handbag has been reported missing.

The men were not carrying any identification. The first is described as white, mid to late twenties with short brown gelled hair and was wearing a blue sweatshirt. The second man was white, about 45 years of age with black receding hair, wearing a navy coloured jacket with a silver tie and woolly gloves.

One of the men had a southern accent and the other an Irish or Liverpudlian accent.

Kent Police is advising residents not to open the door to strangers but ask them to show you their ID either through the letter slot in the door or pressed up against a window. If you're unsure whether the ID is valid, ask the person to wait whilst you call the company and check to see if there are workmen in your area, using telephone numbers listed in the telephone directly or written on your statements rather than numbers provided by the visitor. Many service providers now allow you to set up passwords for added protection. If the caller doesn't have ID, ask them to leave and call the police.

Sergeant Paul Gammon said: "Whilst most people who call at your home will be genuine, we are reminding people to be alert to bogus callers who may try to trick their way into your home and steal from you.

"In these cases, the elderly are being targeted so we want to warn them and their families in particular.

"These men are very bold and confident but if someone calls at your home and you are not sure that they are genuine, close the door and call Kent Police for verification. None of our officers will mind if you do this."