POLICE are searching for two men who posed as meter-reading officials and stole cash from an elderly woman.

The 92-year-old woman was confronted by the men when she opened her door in Fartherwell Avenue, West Malling, near Maidstone, at around midday on Monday. They told her they were there to read her meter.

Once she had let them into her house, they said that she ought to check her money as someone in the same road had been robbed.

She did this, but when they had gone, the woman discovered that her money was missing.

The offenders are described as white, possibly with northern accents. One was aged between 25 and 30, with short, mousy hair, wearing a brown leather jacket and trainers.

The other was wearing a dark-coloured fleece and trainers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DS Nick Sparkes on 01622 608182, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

MEANWHILE, police have issued the following advice to householders:

1 Use a door chain when opening the door.

Insist on seeing and properly inspecting identification.

2 Don't be afraid to tell the person: "No, you can't come in."

3 Tell the caller to phone back to make an appointment.

4 Call the agency/organisation the person is claiming to be from - to double-check their identity. A genuine caller will not mind waiting.

5 Call a friend or trusted neighbour if you are nervous.

6 Call the police if the person is in your house and you become suspicious. (It would be useful to record a description of the caller and/or their vehicle registration, for the information of officers.)

7 Join the Nominate A Neighbour Scheme. For this phone Maidstone and Malling Neighbourhood Watch on 01622 608173 for more details.