TWO men claiming to be plumbers tricked their way into an elderly woman's home and robbed her on Thursday morning.

The 78-year-old victim opened her front door in Frittenden Road, Wainscott, Rochester, to the men who said they had carried out plumbing work on neighbouring houses and that they needed to check her taps in her house, too.

Once inside they asked the woman to empty the cupboard under her sink and, as she was distracted doing this, one of them took her handbag from the living room and left the house. The handbag contained cash and personal items.

Both men are described as white and between 20 to 30 years old. One is of stocky build and about 5ft 3in tall. The other man is described as taller.

DC Scott Machin said: "I would like to advise people to check the identity of callers at their home. Bogus callers target the elderly or vulnerable and will tell lies in order to get inside your home.

"Always use the security chain or spy hole when answering the front door and don’t believe elaborate stories about gas leaks, electrical faults or floods, unless it is the emergency services."

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact police on 01634 884147. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.