Residents have been warned to be vigilant after an elderly woman reportedly had her purse stolen by a cold caller who claimed to be deaf.

Police issued the alert after a woman knocked on the door of a home in Park Road, Sittingbourne, at about midday on Tuesday.

According to police, the caller was holding a clipboard which had amounts of money written on and a note claiming she was hard of hearing.

The female victim, who is in her late 80s, went to her living room to get her purse and noticed the woman had followed her inside.

After asking for a glass of water the pensioner went to the kitchen, leaving the woman sitting in her living room. Upon returning the woman drank the water and left.

The victim later noticed her purse, containing cash, was missing.

Officers later established the same woman knocked on a door at another property in the road.

A similar incident was also reported in Cross Lane, Faversham, between noon and 1pm on Wednesday, January 17, when a woman knocked on a door claiming to be hard of hearing.

She also asked to use the toilet and after she had left the house the elderly victim realised some of her jewellery was missing.

The suspect was white and aged between 30 and 50, of medium build and wearing trousers, a winter coat and a woolly hat, all of which were beige.

It is believed she drove away in a small grey car.

“If you have an elderly or vulnerable neighbour please keep an eye out for them and check in on them from time to time." - Craig West

Swale’s community safety inspector, Craig West, said: “If a genuine person knocks on your door unexpectedly and claims to be from a company or charity they will not mind you making a phone call to check they are who they say they are.

“As an extra precaution I would always suggest using your own phone to make the call, and also remember to check any ID and be cautious that these can also be fake.

“If someone knocks on your door who you do not expect or know then be cautious of letting them into your home or providing any money or personal details. If you are unsure ask them to come back at another time and close the door.

“You could talk to a neighbour or a family member and arrange for them to be present at the suggested time or alert them so they are aware and can provide you with their advice.

“If you have an elderly or vulnerable neighbour please keep an eye out for them and check in on them from time to time to ensure they are OK as this support could make all the difference.”

Anyone with information can call the police appeal line on 01795 419119 quoting crime reference number XY/004683/18, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.