Kent Police is warning residents against rogue traders who may be using fake leaflets to offer services such as roof repairs and gardening.

Detectives investigating a number of fraudulent crimes in west Kent in recent months are urging people to be wary of tricksters who often target the elderly or vulnerable.

In September, a pensioner in Snodlandwas tricked by two men into paying them £14,000, after they knocked at his door and offered to fix his roof.

The victim, a man in his 70s, was approached at his home in Freelands Road on September, 12.

The men agreed a price with the victim but after receiving payment never returned. They left a leaflet with the man which included details of a genuine roofing company.

In Sevenoaks, a man demanded £220 from an elderly woman after he cut her hedge without permission.

"If someone posts a leaflet through your door, never hand over any money, until you have a written quote and have checked that the tradesperson is from the company they say they are from" - DC Gabriel Chandler...

The 87-year-old was at her home in Church Field on October, 29 when the offender appeared at her back door. He walked into the property and followed the victim upstairs before demanding cash.

A number of suspicious leaflets were later discovered by officers at the address of a man linked to the incident.

Detective Constable Gabriel Chandlersaid: "In some instances criminals are printing leaflets and including details of genuine companies to make themselves look honest and reputable. These leaflets often look very authentic and are used to target victims, who sadly are usually elderly and vulnerable.

"If someone posts a leaflet through your door, never hand over any money, until you have a written quote and have checked that the tradesperson is from the company they say they are from.

"We have seen leaflets using company names that do not even operate in Kent, but where the phone number has been changed."