A motorist had his sat nav and mobile phone stolen when he stopped to give a woman directions.

The man was targeted by an apparent opportunist thief after pulling over in his van in Strood High Street.

As the 50-year-old helped the woman - thought to be in her 60s - find her way at the Northcote Road junction, he became the victim of an early-morning grab.

A thief stole his satellite navigation system and mobile phone from inside the van before running off towards Strood town centre.

He is described as a white man, aged about 22 or 23 and slim with blond hair. He was wearing a blue top and khaki coloured trousers.

Police have just released details of the theft, between 6.30am and 7am on Friday, July 1, and are appealing for witnesses.

DC Chris Watson said: "We are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the incident take place or saw the offender running away from the scene.

"We also encourage people to follow simple crime prevention methods to help prevent becoming a victim of crime, such as always keeping vehicles locked and windows closed, never keep valuables on show and use an alarm, immobiliser or steering wheel lock if possible."

Witnesses or anyone with any information about the theft is asked to phone Kent Police on 01622 690690 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.