pensioner

Swale Police officers, investigating a report of an attempted theft from a pensioner in Sittingbourne, have released a CCTV image.

At around 10am on Tuesday 8th March an elderly man withdrew a quantity of cash from a High Street bank.

He walked to his car which was parked in St Michael’s Road and placed the money inside.

At this point it is alleged a man approached the victim and told him he had a flat tyre.

While the victim was distracted a woman is reported to have attempted to steal the money, but was foiled when the victim became suspicious.

Kent Police have confirmed that two charges have been authorised against a fraud suspect, after an elderly man from Sittingbourne was found alone in Chatham town centre.

The investigation began on Saturday 9th January after Kent Police received a call from staff at a taxi company who were concerned for a man in his 80s.

The elderly man, who was safely taken home by attending officers, reported that he had made a cash payment to a man who claimed to be from Swale Borough Council, purportedly for work to be carried out at his property.

Kent County Council (KCC) Trading Standards have advised that a local elderly resident has been targeted by bogus council officials into paying £4,000 for urgent home repairs.

Here's what happened:-

• Cold called by two men claiming to be from Swale Borough Council
• Told occupant that they needed urgent repairs to be carried out on their house
• The work would cost £4,000 but that they would be able to claim the money back

If this happens to you here's what to do: