An elderly man is believed to have had his iPad stolen by a cold caller offering home security advice.

The incident reportedly took place at about 11 am on Thursday, April 12, when a man, claiming to be from the council, called on the victim at his home in The Broadway, Herne Bay.

He is described as white, aged between 25 and 30, about 5ft 8in tall, with short dark hair and a local accent.

Detective Inspector Dave Cox said: "He told the occupant there had been a number of burglaries in the area and that he had been sent out to offer crime prevention advice and needed to check the security of windows and doors.

"The victim let him into the property but became suspicious when the man couldn’t produce any ID. Later he realised an iPad had been stolen."

He was wearing a grey hooded top, blue tracksuit bottoms and blue and white trainers.

DI Cox added: "Distraction thieves often prey on a person’s good nature. It was particularly cynical of this offender to talk his way into the house while purporting to be offering advice on home security."

Police have urged residents to protect themselves by: ensuring rear doors and windows are locked shut before answering the door; fitting spy holes, door chains and intruder alarms; and checking cold callers' IDs.

Officers have urged anyone who saw a man matching the description of the cold caller or someone acting suspiciously in The Broadway on Thursday to call them on 01843 222289 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 55511, quoting the reference number ZY/19042/18.