Two teenagers, who reportedly claimed to be charity collectors before burgling a house in Maidstone, have been charged by police.

Officers were called to the Shepway area of the town at around 11.30am on Friday after it was reported two women were acting suspiciously while visiting addresses and asking for donations in aid of a disability charity.

Lacramioara Stan, 18, and Manuella Paun, 19, both of Toronto Road, Gillingham, were arrested at 1.20pm the same day in Plains Avenue.

The arrest was in connection with a reported burglary at an address in Sussex Road.

They were later charged with burglary and appeared before Maidstone Magistrates’ Court where they were remanded to Maidstone Crown Court on Monday, February 26.

Officers are asking anybody with information that might help the investigation to contact Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference YY/2936/18.

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

Advice of how to avoid becoming a victim to bogus callers is available on the Kent Police website on: https://www.kent.police.uk/advice/bogus-callers-and-rogue-traders/