A carer is warning others to be vigilant after she claims more than £1,000 was stolen from her backpack while she was shopping in Ashford town centre.

Police have launched an investigation after an envelope containing £1,400 was reportedly taken from the 37-year-old in Poundland in County Square shopping centre on Monday morning.

Jennifer Trotter had just finished a night shift at Halden Heights care home in High Halden near Tenterden when she decided to take a trip into town to deposit some cash at about 10am.

"I had breakfast at McDonald's and after that I went to Nationwide bank to withdraw money to send to my son who lives in the Philippines," she said.

"I went to BrightHouse and when I was in the shop, I felt someone behind me. When I looked around two women were staring at me.

"I went into Poundland and went as I went to pay, I noticed the money was missing.

"I think they started unzipping my backpack in BrightHouse and stole the money in Poundland.

"I was just wandering around the town before going to Western Union to send the money off. I didn't think it would happen to me.

"I think they may have seen me come out of the bank and followed me because how did they know I had money on me?"

The mum-of-one, who lives in Arlington, instantly contacted police after she realised the money was missing.

She added: "I am very sad and depressed and I am going to be struggling because of this.

"I would like to make the people of Ashford aware of people looking at you in banks and watching you withdraw money."

A police spokeswoman said: "We are investigating a report that a quantity of cash was stolen from a woman as she walked around shops in Ashford between 10am and 11am on Monday.

"The suspects are described as women.

"One was taller than the other. The taller woman had blonde hair that was tied back. She was carrying a white plastic bag."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/183058/19.

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