POLICE are warning residents in Canterbury to be on their guard after reports of a woman conning her way into the homes of elderly people to steal money.

The advice comes after a woman called on a 79-year-old pensioner in Old Park Avenue, Canterbury.

The suspect talked to the woman victim about religion before asking to use the toilet. The victim invited the woman into her home and even made her a cup of tea. The following morning it was discovered that around £150 had been stolen from the premises.

The incident occurred on Thursday, August 11. At around 4pm on the same day, a 75 year-old lady from Cold Harbour, Canterbury, was called upon by a young woman who claimed that she was from a local college and helping elderly people in the area.

The victim of this incident gave the woman a shopping list but no money, the suspect implying that this she already had some cash. Later it was discovered that around £60 was missing from the house.

Inspector Ray Carver said: “The advice is never let anyone into your home unless you know them or they have made an appointment and can prove their identity. These thieves deliberately target the most vulnerable in our community and we would ask people to be on the lookout for strangers calling on elderly neighbours.”