Kent County Council has only one person dedicated to providing support for victims of doorstep crimes.

The vulnerable victim safeguarding officer was hired to help residents who have been taken advantage of by criminals in their homes.

Opportunist scam artists have left many residents feeling unsafe in their own homes after either stealing their money or damaging their properties.

While the trading standards team has a complex investigations team dedicated to catching rogue traders, only one looks after the victims.

Trading standards officer Oliver Jewell said due to there only being one vulnerable victim safeguarding officer, she has to prioritise her time.

He said: "She is just one person so it is a case of prioritisation.

"She really can only help the people who don't have anybody there to support them.

"She is there to provide an extra layer of support."

She provides the victims with posters for their windows and use of call blocker to reduce scams over the phone.

Mr Jewell added her role is so important, the council is looking to potentially hire more in the future.

• Victims of doorstep crimes should call Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.