Three people have been arrested after neighbourhood officers responded to suspicious incidents in Birchington.
On the morning of Tuesday 20 June 2023, Kent Police received two similar reports of a woman approaching people in the village.
The woman would reportedly ask people to sign a petition before hugging them and attempting to steal jewellery from them.
Thanet’s Beat Team attended the area and three people – a 29-year-old woman, a 22-year-old man and a 15-year-old girl who are all from north London – were arrested on suspicion of theft. All three have since been bailed pending further enquiries.
Community Safety Unit Inspector Jim Woodward said: ‘I would urge people to be vigilant in relation to these types of theft attempts and report any suspicious behaviour to us.
‘Anyone who fears they may also have been a victim and has yet to come forward should report it through the Kent Police website, or by calling 999 if a crime is in progress.’