A female shopper was robbed of £500 when she left Tesco in Whitstable after she was distracted when asked for directions.

The woman got into her car at 12.30pm on Monday as she left the Millstrood Road store and put her handbag on the passenger seat when she was approached by a man.

Speaking with an eastern European accent and carrying a map, the man asked for directions to the hospital.

The woman left her car to help the man and when she drove away noticed her bank cards had been taken from her purse.

Two cards were later used to withdraw £500 as investigators say the woman may have been watched entering her PIN at the store checkout.

They believe an unseen accomplice stole the cards while she was distracted giving directions to the man.

The suspect is described as a "tanned" man, aged 27 to 35 years old, under 5ft tall, of average build with jet black hair.

Police have issued a warning to shoppers to beware of visitors with maps following the theft.

Sgt Louise Murphy, from the Whitstable Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "There were two similar incidents in Herne Bay a couple of months ago, which may be connected, and it has also happened in other parts of the county.

"It is sad that these criminals prey on the good nature of local people to take advantage and steal from them, and I would urge everyone to be on their guard.

"Cover the chip & pin machine with your hand as you enter your PIN number and if someone asks for help, keep your handbag and purse with you and beware of things like maps being used to distract you."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt Murphy on 01227 868060 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.