Doorstep fraudsters pretending to be council workers are targetting vulnerable Sevenoaks residents.

Kent Police are urging people to be vigilant after a spate of recent incidents in the area.

On January 15, a woman in her eighties in Granville Road received a phone call from a man claiming to be from Sevenoaks Council.

He explained that repairs were needed on the drains outside her home.

Later that day a man arrived and asked for bank card details so he could pay a deposit for the works. However no work was carried out and money was later reported stolen.

Over the next two days, a further two incidents were reported in a road off St John’s Hill and Witches Lane.

Inspector Mark Stubberfield, of the Sevenoaks Community Safety Unit, said - "It is highly likely these crimes are being committed by the same offenders who target the vulnerable.

"Whilst our dedicated fraud teams work hard to detect this sort of crime we must be sure residents are aware of how they operate.

"A council worker would never ask for bank card details or money over the phone or at the door.

If you are approached by someone you believe is a scammer, do not give out any details. If they are on the phone, end the call immediately and wait at least five minutes before using your telephone in order to clear your line from the scammer, then call the police.

"If you are suspicious of someone who has knocked at your door do not open it and call 999."

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