A warning has been issued to Dartford residents after a bogus caller, wearing a bulletproof vest, posed as a bailiff.

Kent Police officers are reminding residents to stay vigilant after receiving a report that the man knocked on a house in Couzins Walk earlier this month claiming that the homeowner owed nearly £600 in an unpaid fine.

The imposter entered the resident’s property but became aggressive when the resident asked why he didn’t have the correct paperwork with him.

After producing an iPad with the incorrect name of the resident the bogus bailiff left the house.

A note of his I.D badge was made but when the homeowner tried to call the company he claimed he worked for they confirmed they had noone of that name and that the resident’s address wasn’t on their system.

The man, who was dressed in what appeared to be a company uniform, was also reportedly wearing a bulletproof vest and jeans.

He is described as white, tall with a stocky build and aged in his thirties with a strong English accent.

He told the resident he was wearing a body worn camera.

The investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Beverley Morrison, said: “We are treating this as an isolated case and while we do not want to make people worry we would like to use this opportunity to raise awareness and to just remind people how they can stay safer in their homes.”

Anyone who thinks they may have had a bogus caller can call 101 to report the incident or 999 in an emergency.

Representatives from water, gas and electric companies rarely visit without appointments.

Kent Police believe people can help to stay safe by remembering these tips:

  • Lock back doors and windows before answering a front door – thieves are known to work in pairs, one entering through the back door while the other knocks at the front.
  • Use a spyhole and ask who the caller is through the door first, then keep the door on the chain.
  • Check identification, even if it is a pre-arranged appointment.
  • If a caller is not expected and they do not carry an ID card, do not let them in, and even if they do they may not be who they say they are.
  • To check a caller is genuine, residents can look up the number in the phone book or a recent bill and check it against the card the caller has on them.
  • Don't just ring the number on the card - it may be fake.
  • If there are any doubts to whether the caller is genuine, ask them to leave and arrange a date and time for them to come back and ensure another person is there for the rearranged appointment.
  • Never leave front doors unattended.