An elderly man has been conned out of £200 in a distraction burglary.

The victim, in his 80s, was targeted by a man pretending to be a workman who had to fix a water leak.

But the bogus caller distracted the householder in Ansell Avneue, Chatham, to steal the cash.

DC Aaron Chapman said: "A man went to the front door of the victim’s house and stated that there had been complaints of water leaks in the area and that he needed access to the property to look at the pipes.

"The suspect told the victim to go in to the bathroom and repeatedly flush the toilet whilst he examined pipes in the house.

"A short while later the man excused himself and left the house.

"It was until later that evening that the victim discovered cash had been taken from his wallet."

The theft happened between 11.30am and 11.45am on Thursday, November 17, but details have only just been released by police.

The suspect is described as a white man, aged between 20 and 30, about 6ft, of medium build and as having short, dark brown hair.

He was wearing a dark jumper, dark trousers or jeans and grey gloves.

Witnesses or anyone who was also approached by the man is asked to phone police on 01634 792687 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.