A woman from St Mary's Bay had a lucky escape after a distraction burglar came into her home but didn't take anything as she stayed with him.

A man, claiming to be from the water board knocked on the door of the house on Romney Marsh between 1.45pm and 2pm on Wednesday, February 8.

He told the woman he needed to check her water for chalk and that she would need to pay £30 towards to cost of fixing a broken pipe.

She refused but the man insisted on checking the water and was able to go through the house to the kitchen. He left a short while later.

He is described as between 30 and 40-years-old, about 5ft 4ins tall and was wearing a waterproof black jacked, black trousers with side pockets and black shoes.

Investigation officer Detective Sergeant Matthew Smith said: “Quite rightly, the victim asked him for his ID but made up a story about it being in his van and not being permitted to remove it.

"Any legitimate work man will always carry ID with them and have no problem in producing it.

“Thankfully the victim stayed with the suspect all the time he was in her house, so he didn’t have an opportunity to take anything.

"But we would always urge people to never let people onto their property without checking their credentials first.”

Officers are reminding residents to be vigilant.

Ensure that rear doors and windows are shut and locked when answering your front door.

Consider fitting extra security measures such as spy holes, door chains, door locks and intruder alarms.

Always check the ID of cold callers. A door chain or spy hole will help you do this without letting anyone into your home, and don’t be afraid to turn people away.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference ZY/05217/17.