Four older people have had their bank cards stolen after being asked for directions in supermarket car parks.

The incidents happened in Ashford, Folkestone, Cheriton and Dover and have led to a warning from police.

The victims are aged in their 60s, 70s and 80s.

The incidents were at Tesco in Cheriton on Friday, April 9, at 10.20am; Tesco in Whitfield on the same day at 12.20pm; Morrison's in Folkestone on Sunday, May 16, at 1.15pm and Tesco at Park Farm, Ashford, on Saturday, May 22, also at 1.15pm.

Police believe the offenders work in a gang of two men and a young woman.

While one distracts the shopper by asking for directions, the other two steal the person's bank card, having possibly noticed them enter their PIN at the check out.

The stolen cards have been subsequently used in Ilford and Charlton.

The offenders are described as eastern European and do not speak very good English.

Acting Insp Neil Minter advised: "Make sure no one can see you enter your PIN whilst in the shop, and beware if anyone approaches you while you are putting your shopping in the car.

"Keep hold of your purse and bag or lock them in your car and remember you can of course politely refuse to offer help."