Fraudsters have been rifling through Medway bins in order to steal people's identity, residents have been warned.

Police and Medway council officers were on the streets of Gillingham this morning as part of a joint effort to crack down on the thieves.

Moat housing association has also written to residents to warn them how discarded paperwork can be used to open bank accounts or obtain loans, credit cards and benefits.

The association believes a van marked ‘Quick Auto Van’ may have a connection with the recent spate of incidents.

Police were unable to help with previous enquiries from the Messenger about related incidents in Gillingham.