Police are warning the elderly to be on their guard after a spate of distraction thefts.

Thieves stole £200 from a 81-year-old woman after tricking their way into her home in Long Meadow Way on the Hales Place Estate in Canterbury.

She assumed the men were workmen when they asked her if her home had a damp problem.

Investigating officer PC Neil Moore said: “While the first man engaged her in conversation the second man walked off.

“It wasn’t until the next day that she noticed £200 had been stolen from her handbag.

“She had left her front door unlocked and we believe the second man went in and stole the money while she was talking to his accomplice.”

The theft took place at 11.45am on Saturday, May 23, but police have only just released the details.

The first man is was white, aged about 50, clean-shaven with short brown hair and a stocky build.

Police are also keen to hear from anyone who saw a light green van which was parked in the area at the time.

Officers are also hunting for two men who targeted an 85-year-old woman in Meteor Avenue, Whitstable on Friday.

One of the men offered to fix her fence. The other asked if he could use the toilet.

PC Moore said: “When he had gone she realised her purse was missing.

“The purse contained £40 in cash and a bus pass.

“The same morning two men offered to clean the guttering of another house in Meteor Avenue.

“One asked to use the toilet but the occupant escorted him there and back and nothing was stolen.”

One of the men is described as aged between 25 and 30 with blond hair and was wearing jeans and a T-shirt.

The second was about 5ft 6ins tall and of a larger build.

He was wearing jeans, a navy blue T-shirt and black pump-style shoes.

They were later seen with a third man. He is described as being older and was wearing a cream jacket and trousers.

Police believe the men may have been using a white Vauxhall Combo van with either an 02 or an 05 registration plate.

PC Moore is urging people to be wary of distraction thieves: “‘Always check people’s identification. Genuine callers won’t mind.

“If you are in any doubt ask them to come back at a time that is convenient to you and when you have a chance to have someone with you.”

These latest cases follow a similar incident where a bogus caller stole a pensioner's wallet in Canterbury.

Anyone with information on the first incident is asked to call 01843 222289 quoting reference ZY/015763/15

Anyone with information on the second incident is asked to call the same number quoting reference ZY/17894/15.