Thousands of pounds that was taken by rogue traders who tricked elderly residents is set to be returned.

Officers were called to properties in the East Hill Road area of Knatts Valley in April last year after reports a number of people had made payments for substandard repair works on their homes.

Police were also told that these traders carried out work without permission before the owners were home and then charged them for it.

Only recently was a total of £11,900 found hidden under a car seat in the East Hill Road area of Knatts Valley after elderly residents became suspicious at their retirement properties.

The vehicle was linked to Hizekiah Roberts, 42, from Fordwich, Canterbury and William King, 38, from Nottinghamshire.

A forfeiture hearing for the money was held at Maidstone Magistrates' Court last Friday (February 22). Nether of the men contested the order, meaning the money will be returned to the four victims who reported a loss.

Detective Inspector Annie Clayton said: "Whilst no one was consequently charged with offences in the relation to the case, the men were unable to offer an explanation as to why such a large amount of money had been found inside the car, close to where substandard or unwanted work had been carried out.

"Therefore, it is our strong belief that the money was earned through criminal means and in connection with offences of fraud.

"The Proceeds of Crime Act continues to be an important and effective tool, which not only ensures offenders aren’t able to benefit from their unlawful activities, but also enables us to also rightly compensate those who have been directly affected by crime."