Jewellery and money were stolen from a woman aged in her 90s when a bogus caller offered to cut the trees in her garden.

The burglary took place on Wednesday, when a man called at her house in Maidstone Road, Rainham, at around 1pm.

The man, described as white and aged in his late 30s to early 40s, stated he had come to give the occupier a quote for cutting her trees.

The woman accompanied the man into her rear garden where he stated he would post her a quote, then hurried out of the garden through a side gate.

It was later found that jewellery and a quantity of cash had been stolen.

The man, who was wearing a cap, beige trousers and a shirt, arrived and left in a white van.

Police are now warning residents to be on their guard.

Detective Constable Dan Bister said: "We are treating this as an isolated case but would like to remind people how they can stay safe in their homes.

"Bogus callers will trick their way into a house pretending to be legitimate tradespeople or working for a utility company or other official authority. They will often wear all or part of an official uniform and carry fake identification."

He added: "Lock your back doors and windows before answering your front door. Never leave your front door unattended. If you need to get something, close it until you return.

"Use a spyhole and ask who the caller is through the door first, then keep the door on the chain.

"If you are not expecting the caller and they do not carry an ID card, do not let them in.

"If you have any doubts about whether the caller is genuine, ask them to leave and come back at a time convenient to you and when you've had a chance to ask someone to be with you."

Anyone with information about the incident should call Kent Police on 01634 702209 quoting reference 21-1472, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.