Five people were arrested after rogue traders and bogus callers targeted elderly victims in Kent.

Regular officers, community support officers, and trading standards teamed up in a week-long operation to target the scams and educate people of the dangers of accepting work from cold-callers.

Police patrolling in Swanley stopped a car last month believed to be linked to distraction burglaries in Bennetts Avenue, West Kingsdown, and Oliver Crescent, Farningham.

On both occasions, it was reported that elderly victims were told they needed work carried out on their homes, with one telling police she had £200 stolen from her handbag.

The three men inside the car that was stopped, aged 18, 19 and 20, were arrested and released on bail pending further enquiries.

On another occasion, officers arrested a 38-year-old man from Dartford after reports of people attempting to sell furniture to members of the public in Westerham near Sevenoaks.

In addition to the arrests, officers carried out vehicle spot-checks and spoke to a number of traders in relation to the work they were carrying out.

Crime prevention leaflets were also distributed to locations across Kent with a high elderly population, including Swanley.

"Bogus callers and rogue traders can rest assured that we will use every tool at our disposal to track you down and put you before the courts." - Neil Parker, head of CID

Detective Sergeant Tracy Evans said: “We were very pleased with how the operation went and hope our action sends a clear message that rogue traders and bogus callers will not be tolerated.

“We made several arrests and gained valuable information on other people working in the area, and were also able to engage with those vulnerable residents who may be at risk.

“Most people who call at our homes will be genuine but sometimes they turn up unannounced and try to either trick their way inside to steal valuables and money, or offer services or goods. The latter can result in overcharging for unnecessary work, damaging property deliberately, leaving work unfinished or intimidating someone to get money.

“If in doubt, contact Trading Standards with their vehicle details, company name, contact details and any other information you have. Before allowing any work to be carried out it is best to obtain a quote or get a second quote from a recognised firm.

“Do not pay anyone for work before it is carried out, and certainly never go to the bank to draw out cash if a lift is offered by the people who knock on the door.”

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Parker, head of CID at west division, added: “Kent Police takes this type of crime very seriously. Law-abiding members of the public should be able to enjoy the comforts of their own home without being targeted by cowardly con artists who prey on the most vulnerable members of society.

“Bogus callers and rogue traders can rest assured that we will use every tool at our disposal to track you down and put you before the courts.

“This operation also demonstrated the advantages of partnership working and I would like to thank Trading Standards for their support across the week.”