A woman who tricked her way into the homes of three pensioners in three different towns has sparked a police warning.

Officers have linked the three incidents in Folkestone, Dover and Deal this month.

A similar description of the woman has been given by the victims of each incident.

The first one took place on Tuesday, January 24 at an address in George Street, Dover, between 8.20pm and 8.45pm. The woman rang the bell and asked a woman in her 70s if she could borrow her phone.

She claimed she had locked her keys in her own car.

Det Cons Kirsty Gee said:"It was only after she had left that the victim realised her own car keys had been stolen, as had her car, a grey Seat Arosa."

"It was only after she had left that the victim realised her own car keys had been stolen, as had her car,' Det Cons Kirsty Gee

The woman was described as white, in her 20s, about 5 ft 6, of slim build, with dark brown hair.

Police say she was wearing a white beanie-style hat, a beige jacket with a long-sleeved top underneath and jeans.

She was also carrying a small, light-blue handbag and had an English accent.

The second incident happened the following day, on Wednesday, January 25 in Foord Road, Folkestone between 8.15pm and 8.45pm.

The offender asked the elderly resident, a man in his 70s, to lend her £20.

When he refused she grabbed his wallet and during a scuffle, police said the man suffered a minor injury to his face.

The woman escaped with the wallet.

She was described as white, of a slim build, about 5ft 4 and with wavy hair and was wearing white trainers, dark trousers, a dark-coloured tee-shirt, a black fluffy jacket, a white scarf and a white bobble hat.

The last incident happened in Telegraph Road, Deal, at around 9pm on Sunday, January 29.

Det Cons Gee said: "Once again the offender claimed she had locked her keys in her car and asked to use the phone.

"After she left the victim, a woman in her 70s, realised her purse had been stolen."

The suspect was described as in her 20s, white, of a slim build, with long, dark brown hair and an English accent. She was wearing a long black coat.

She added: "Distraction thieves prey on a person’s good nature and often ask the occupant for a glass of water or to use the phone so they can gain access.

"However, there are ways you can protect yourself.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who recognises this woman’s description or who has information about the incidents."