The incident took place at an address in Beaver Road at around 4.10pm on Tuesday 9 October 2018.

A man knocked on the front window of a house, the victim opened her front door and the man told her he was looking for his son’s ball.

The woman, in her 80s, invited him in and they both went to the back garden to look for it. When they came back inside she noticed a second man in her house. She thought this was suspicious and asked them both to leave.

Jewellery and cash taken

The victim found cash was missing from her purse and reported the matter to Kent Police. When officers arrived it was also discovered jewellery had been stolen from upstairs.

One of the men was described as white, aged in his 30s, approximately 5ft, 8ins tall, of large build and was wearing a dark baseball cap and a dark jacket.

The victim couldn’t describe the second man but thought he might have been wearing a dark green cardigan.

Anyone who witnessed this burglary or noticed anything suspicious around that time is asked to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 09-1090.

Residents are reminded to be vigilant, look out for their neighbours and be aware of thieves who use distraction techniques to carry out crime. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the police immediately either via 101 or by calling Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.