Police have issued an alert after a vulnerable woman was burgled by a bogus detective calling at her doorstep.

Officers were called after the incident at Hever Gardens off Stanhope ring road in Ashford at 3.15pm on Sunday, August 13.

The victim reported opening the door to a man who claimed to be a detective and asked to see where she kept her jewellery.

She showed him inside, and he is then reported to have left the house with various personal belongings.

He arrived with two other men in a black Volkswagen Golf. They are all described as being white and in their early 20s. One spoke with an Irish accent.

Officers investigating the case have issued information to help combat bogus callers or distraction burglars.

They say residents should make sure doors and windows are locked before answering the door, use spyholes and door chains, and ask who the visitor is first, check identification, and if they don’t have ID, then don’t let them in.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call the appeal line on 01843 222289 and quote reference number ZY/37682/17.

Have you been affected by this story or by bogus callers? Share your experience, email: kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk or call the newsroom on 01233 895801.