Shoppers have been warned to be on their guard after a pensioner in her 80s had her bank card stolen in Herne Bay.

The victim – who had just got money out from a cashpoint – walked to Brunswick Square on Saturday afternoon where she sat on a wall to rest.

She was then approached by a man who asked if she had change for a £2 coin.

When the pensioner said she did not have the cash, the man then suggested she had dropped a £20 note and encouraged her to check her purse.

As the woman opened her purse, the man pushed the note in before walking away.

The victim then realised her bank card was missing and later found a quantity of cash taken from her account.

The incident occurred at about 1.30pm on Saturday.

"The offender was determined and persuasive in getting the victim to open her purse and tried a couple of tactics to do so..." - Sgt Chris Dyer

Sgt Chris Dyer said: “The offender was determined and persuasive in getting the victim to open her purse and tried a couple of tactics to do so.

“We want to ask shoppers to be on their guard when approached by strangers, no matter how friendly or helpful they may appear.

“Opportunist thieves will try to target those they think are vulnerable and take advantage of those who are generous with their time.”

The man, who was about 50 years old, was described by the victim as being Middle Eastern.

He was 6ft tall and wore smart clothing with beige trousers, gold glasses and a gold watch.

Sgt Dyer added: “When using a cashpoint, always shield the keypad when you enter your PIN in case there is someone watching.

“Put your card and any money away before leaving a shop or cashpoint.

“Report any suspicious behaviour using 101.”

Anyone who may have information is asked to contact police on 01843 222289, quoting ZY/32065/16.