Thieves have targeted building sites in Tunbridge Wells twice in the space of just two days.

At one site in Lansdowne Road burglars are believed to have scaled a fence before forcing their way into an office and another building and stealing tools.

Elsewhere a property undergoing renovation in Carlton Road was hit but the thieves. However, only a vacuum cleaner seems to have been taken.

Both break-ins happened between Tuesday and Wednesday, December 4 and 5.

Police are now warning tradesmen in the town to be vigilant and have issued advice to help prevent this type of crime.

Specifically, officers are telling those working in the construction industry to keep sites well lit, use CCTV and alarms, display warnings, mark tools and keep them locked away at night, keep a list of vehicle identification numbers as well as serial and engine numbers, and be aware of the risk of theft of materials such as copper piping.

Residents living near sites are also being urged to help deter criminals by reporting any suspicious behaviour.

Sergeant Pat Griffiths is appealing for witnesses to aid an investigation.

"The offenders are likely to have needed a vehicle to transport the stolen items, so if you saw a suspicious car, van or truck in either of these areas we would really like to hear from you," he said.

"We are also asking people to keep their eyes peeled and if they see any ongoing suspicious activity to call 999."

Anyone with information which may help the investigations is asked to phone Kent Police on 01622 604100, or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting crime references 46/17846/18 and 46/18242/18.