A burglar has been jailed after admitting duping a pensioner into letting him in her home before stealing her purse.

Ricky Arnold, 27, went to the woman's house in Russell Court, Chatham, in October last year and said he was collecting scrap metal.

He then asked to use the toilet - but stole her purse, containing about £90.

Arnold, of White Road, Chatham, admitted burglary at Medway Magistrates' Court and was given a 180-day sentence.

After taking the purse, Arnold told the 68-year-old he would be back later with his van to collect the scrap items, but never returned.

It was only later that the woman realised the purse was missing as well as a number of her bank cards.

DC Rob Sircar said: "A distraction burglar, or bogus caller, is usually someone who calls at your home unannounced to distract or lie with the intention of stealing money or valuables.

"There are a few simple measure which can be taken to help prevent becoming a victim of this type of crime - always keep your doors and windows locked and make sure the back door is secure before you open the front door, if you have a spy-hole, use it and never keep large sums of money in the house and keep valuables out of sight.

"Our advice is never let people you don't know, and are not expecting, into your home."