Bogus callers have been operating in the Lydd area, the district council has warned.

The callers have been knocking on doors and asking residents to take part in a survey and provide them with their National Insurance numbers.

A Shepway council spokesman said: “Please be advised that this is not us - we would never ask you on your doorstep for your NI number.”

The council warns householders to always check the legitimacy of any caller by asking for ID and if you are in doubt call the police on 102.

The warning has come out on the same week that police put out an image of a man sought after a distraction burglary.

Two crooks had stolen jewellery from a man in his 80s in Brooks Way, Lydd.

It happened on February 5 but police issued an e-fit of the suspect this week.

It has not been suggested that this theft and the bogus callers Shepway is warning about are linked.

More information on how to stay safe can be found at: http://www.kent.police.uk/advice/home/bogus.html.