An elderly lady from Hawkinge was the victim of a callous distraction burglary at her home after a man claiming to be a police officer helped another thief to steal her purse.

The woman in her 80s was sitting in her lounge at her home in Canterbury Road at 9.30pm on Monday, October 21 when she heard a noise in the next room.

A man then appeared at her door claiming to be a police officer and said he had two burglars in his car who he had seen trying to break in to her bungalow.

Then a second man appeared and stole the woman's purse before leaving the property. The two men are both described as white and aged in their mid-20s.

One was wearing a blue hooded top and the second wearing a grey hooded top.

Police are now advising residents to keep their doors and windows secure.

Detective Constable Ros Friend said: "This sort of offence is very rare and we don’t want to cause alarm.

"But we would advise all residents to secure windows and doors to prevent opportunist thieves taking advantage.

"Please share this with elderly relatives and please do report anything suspicious."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Ros Friend on 01303 289124.

Alternatively, call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.