Detectives are warning homeowners after a spate of distraction burglaries in Sittingbourne and Newington.

In two hours, thieves conned their way into three pensioners’ homes to steal cash.

Kent Police has released e-fit images of the men they want to speak to in connection with the thefts and issued safety advice should they strike again.

In the first incident, between 3.30pm and 4.10pm last Monday, the intruders duped their way into a property in Callaways Lane, Newington, claiming to be doing a survey about blocked drains.

After they left, the homeowner, a 76-year-old man, realised his wallet with about £120 cash was missing.

On the same day, the offenders struck at two properties in Sittingbourne.

Between 4pm and 4.55pm the pair were allowed entry to a house in Kenilworth Court, claiming they were fitting a kitchen nearby and the drain was blocked.

They asked the owner, an 80-year-old man, to run his tap to check for problems and left soon after.

The victim later discovered bedroom cabinets and a jewellery box had been moved and £30 was missing from his wallet.

At about the same time, the burglars used a similar excuse to enter a house in Homewood Avenue, telling the 87-year-old occupant they were having problems fitting a kitchen because fat had been poured down a drain.

They left when the woman’s chiropodist arrived, but it’s since been reported a large amount of cash in £20 notes is missing.

The main offender is described as white, aged 35 to 45, between 5ft 6in and 5ft 8in tall, of medium build with short black hair.

He spoke with a Yorkshire accent and was wearing a white shirt with stripes and dark trousers and shoes.

• If anyone has any information, call 01634 792166, quoting reference XY/25160/13 (Newington), XY/25168/13 (Kenilworth Court) or XY/25165/13 (Homewood Avenue). Or contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Investigating officer DC Sasha Monck said: “This type of crime is not common in these areas, but they can cause a great deal of distress to the victims.

“We would always advise anyone to close the door if they have any doubts, or tell callers to return at another time when there is someone else there.”

Police have released the following safety advice for residents:

• Use a spyhole if possible and ask who the caller is through the door first then keep the door on the chain.
• Ask for and check carefully their identification, even if they have a pre-arranged appointment. Genuine callers will carry one from the organisation they represent.
• If you are not expecting the caller and they do not carry an ID card, do not let them in.
• Do not just ring the number on the card, it may be fake.