A MAN who claimed he was there to check drains tricked his way into an 82-year-old woman's home and stole her cash.

The victim let the man into her house in Stonehill, Sellindge between noon and 12.30pm on Friday. He had claimed he needed to check her drains due to a blockage down the road.

When the man had gone the woman discovered that £50 had been taken.

Police are warning elderly residents to be on their guard and not let anyone into their home unless they are certain of their identity.