Kent Police is warning that suspected 'rogue traders' have been posing as engineers from the waterboard to gain access to homes in Sevenoaks and Tonbridge.
Three men allegedly visited the home of a woman in her 80s on Delagarde Road in Westerham, last Friday (September 29).
A Kent Police spokesman said: "They told the occupant that they needed to turn her water off due to a flood and were allowed to enter the property.
"One of the men turned off the water while another conducted a search of the property"
No items have been reported stolen but the circumstances are regarded as being "suspicious" by police.
According to Kent Police, this could be linked to incidents at two flats on Waterloo Road, Tonbridge, which were targeted on September 22.
A quantity of cash was reported stolen from one of these homes.
Kent Police have issued the following advice to help residents avoid becoming a victim of rogue traders:
Lock your back doors and windows before answering your front door. Never leave your front door unattended. If you need to get something, close it until you return.
Use a spyhole and ask who the caller is through the door first, then keep the door on the chain.
Check the caller’s identification, even if they have a pre-arranged appointment.
If you have any doubts about whether the caller is genuine, ask them to leave and come back at a time convenient to you.
Ask someone to be with you for this agreed time.
Contact Trading Standards with their vehicle details, company name, contact details and any other information you have.
Before allowing any work to be carried out, it is best to obtain a quote or get a second quote from a recognised firm.
Do not pay anyone for work before it is carried out.
Never go to the bank to draw out cash if a lift is offered by the people who knock on the door.
