Pensioners have been targeted in their homes by conmen just a week before Christmas.

The crooks are believed to have posed as police officers and water board officials in two of the three incidents across Maidstone yesterday afternoon.

They struck twice in Senacre and once in Hollingbourne.

Now police are warning everyone to be vigilant.

Police are not linking the crimes at this stage but in each case the offenders have been described as white men, with dark hair and Irish accents.

The investigation is at an early stage and it is not yet known exactly what was taken.

Inspector Adam Jones of Maidstone Urban Neighbourhood Team said: "It is hard to know who is genuine and who isn’t, but under no circumstances should you allow people into your house when you don’t know who they are."

See the full story in tomorrow's Kent Messenger.