A man had his treasured gold chain stolen after a woman “unexpectedly hugged” him as part of a distraction theft.

The victim was approached in Chatham High Street by a woman he did not know when she grabbed him before running off towards Military Road.

He later found the chain he had been wearing, which had a lion emblem and was of huge sentimental value, was missing.

The woman was white, aged between 20 and 25, slim in build and had brown hair.

She spoke with what is described as an Eastern European accent and was wearing a white woollen hat, white top and white trousers.

The incident happened at around 2.30pm last Monday (November 18).

Sergeant Jason Francis said: “As the festive period approaches we want to remind people to remain alert when out shopping.

“If you are approached by a person you do not know who asks for directions, shakes your hand or tries to hug you, remain vigilant and protect your wallet, handbag or other valuables.

“This chain was of significant sentimental value to the victim and we are urging anyone who may have been offered the item for sale to contact us.”

Anyone with information should call police on 01634 792209 quoting 46/200318/24.