RESIDENTS are being warned about phoney window cleaners cheating customers out of cash. After a spate of incidents in the Luton area of Chatham, police say people should be cautious.

A number of reports have been received about two people posing as window cleaners who ask for change for a £20 note and then disappear with the money. Alternatively, they tell customers they have no change and run off with all the money.

One resident who was conned is Jodie Geddes, 29, of Edinburgh Road, Chatham. She said: "The man actually did clean my windows, I paid him and thought nothing of it later when he called back asking for change.

"I gave him change of £20 and he ran off down the road. I didn't give it a second thought. I thought he'd be back, but he wasn't.

"I wouldn't want the elderly to be targeted so I'm warning people. If someone knocks on their door asking for change, then just say that you haven't got any."

In one incident, the offender cleaned one victim's windows and charged £5. Later that day, the man returned saying that he was trying to collect money from an old lady across the road for cleaning her windows, but that she did not have any change.

The resident gave the offender a bag of £20 in coins and he ran off with the cash.

The man is described thought to be 38, about 5ft 9in and of skinny build. He has brown hair and was wearing a lemon-coloured T-shirt, jeans and trainers.

The man talked very quickly and stuttered. The woman was described as being about the same age with long brown hair.

The couple may be driving either an old white Ford or Cavalier or a blue Citroen and in one incident a young boy was seen in the back seat.

A spokesman for Medway Police said: "If someone knocks at your house offering to clean your windows and asks for change, don't give it to them."

Anyone who may have information about these incidents or who may have information is asked to contact police on 01634 884252 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.