DETECTIVES are hunting two thieves who are targeting estate agents in the Weald. The pair, aged about 17 to 20, go into agencies claiming to be looking for properties to rent or buy, but police believe they are really looking for the opportunity to steal a handbag or other valuables left unattended.

Cranbrook estate agent Debbie Martin, of Lloyd Martin, is thought to have fallen victim to the pair who entered her office in the High Street.

Her car keys had been left on her desk and shortly afterwards her silver Mercedes 180 sports auto saloon, valued at about £18,000, was seen being driven off down the road. Mrs Martin had left the office temporarily to show a client around a property.

The men entered almost immediately and distracted another member of staff. When they left, the car keys were missing. The thieves are believed to have visited every estate agent in Cranbrook over the past fortnight and at least one in Paddock Wood.

One is 6ft, slim, with very short dark hair, and the other5ft 5in, also slim with short dark hair. They have given the name John Smith and two different addresses in Eltham which have turned out to be false.

PC Nigel Freeman from Weald Police said: "All estate agents and other businesses should be on the look-out for this pair and staff should be mindful never to leave handbags, keys or other valuables on view. They must be locked away in a cupboard."

Anyone with information on the men should contact PC Freeman on 01892 502008.