Tenants have been warned to stay vigilant after burglars posed as social housing workers to steal from two homes.

The warning from Kent Police has been issued in light of incidents in Maidstone and Tonbridge.

At about 10am on Wednesday, May 1, two men impersonating Russet Homes employees conned their way into an elderly man's house in Baltic Road, Tonbridge, and stole a large amount of cash.

The duo, who are white and in their late 30s, claimed they were there to repair a leaking pipe.

One the same day, between 11am and 11.45am, a man claiming to be from Golding Homes arrived at a woman's house in Middlesex Road, Shepway, Maidstone, and said he was called out to repair her boiler.

While he was left alone in the property, the conman stole two sets of keys. The affordable housing provider has since changed the locks.

Jillie Smithies, director of operations for Golding Homes, said: “We urge our residents to be alert to bogus callers, particularly after these recent incidents.

"All Golding Homes staff and contractors have identity badges and will not be offended if you ask them to wait while you check their identification."

Denise Reeves, the managing director of Russet, said: “We take the security of our residents very seriously and all of our contractors carry ID. If a resident has any concerns about a caller, they should phone us and we will check up on them immediately."

If there is a bogus caller at your door, call police on 999, with details and descriptions of the person.

Information can also be passed to officers by calling 101 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.