Two men made their getaway with a 32-inch television stolen from a pensioner's home ... on mountain bikes.

It was one of two distraction burglaries in the past week which have prompted police to issue a warning to elderly residents not to open their doors to strangers.

The first was in Brookfield Road, Ashford between 7pm and 7.30pm Saturday.

A 78-year-old woman answered her door to two men and let them in. While she was out of the room they stole her stole her 32-inch flat screen TV worth £499.

A police spokesman said it is thought they cycled off on mountain bikes carrying the TV, which was wrapped in a multi-coloured blanket.

The second burglary happened at Hither Field, Charing at around 11am Monday.

A man knocked at the door of an 84-year–old woman, claiming to know family members, and was allowed into the house. He went upstairs to use the toilet and stole a quantity of cash.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 01303 289180 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.