Detectives are warning housing association residents to be on alert after bogus workers stole cash from a man in his 90s.

Police officers received a report that between Tuesday, May 1, and Friday, May 4, three men called at an address in Fant Lane, Maidstone, stating they were from the housing association and were there to fix a leak.

The pensioner allowed the doorstep criminals in and later discovered a quantity of cash had been stolen from his bedroom.

Subsequent checks confirmed the men were not employed by the housing association.

Inspector Giacomino Vail of the Maidstone Community Safety Unit said: “Maidstone residents should be alert if any tradesperson visits without an appointment and suggests work needs to be completed on the house.

“If the caller says they are from a housing association, they should be asked to remain outside while checks are made with the company.

“Anybody who is pestered by unwanted cold callers should advise them that contact will be made with Trading Standards and if necessary the police.”

Anyone with information that can help the investigation is asked to contact Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference 16-667.

Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.