Distraction thefts at a busy supermarket are being linked by police.

The three incidents have happened at Tesco Grove Green and in one case a woman had more than £100 taken.

Every time women have been approached by a couple in a green or grey saloon.

The woman has claimed to be pregnant and asked the way to the nearest hospital, saying she has an appointment or needs treatment. While they give directions, the thefts occurred.

On Friday April 23, between 11.54 and 12.10pm, £103 cash was stolen from a handbag left on the passenger seat of a car, as the 59-year-old woman gave directions to a woman who had broken English.

Another woman, 69, had £50 cash and some personal papers taken from her handbag left in the boot of the car while she gave directions to a couple in a saloon car. That happened on Tuesday, April 27, between 10.30am and 11.15am.

The latest incident was on Wednesday, April 28, between noon and 2pm, when two credit cards were stolen from a 61-year-old woman’s purse while it was in her handbag. The bag had been left on the passenger seat as she gave instructions to a couple asking for the nearest hospital.

The driver is a white male with short black hair, clean-shaven and is aged around 30. His female passenger is also white, in her late 20s, with long light brown hair and a foreign accent. On Tuesday, April 27, she was wearing a white blouse and jeans.

DC Donna Hopper said: "We believe the pair are working with an accomplice who has been carrying out the thefts while the victims are distracted.

"These offenders are taking advantage of people who are just trying to be good Samaritans by giving directions to a couple they believe genuinely need help."

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Hopper on 01622 604244 or Kent Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.