Locals are being told to remain vigilant after a Kenilworth resident was nearly defrauded of hundreds of pounds.

Last week a resident on Fieldgate Lane received a text saying: "BARCLAYS BANK: 03/06/2024 ARGOS £743. REPLY TO COMFIRM CALL US ON [number] IF YOU DID NOT REQUEST THIS".

Kenilworth Watch said the victim called the number and was told by a "well spoken male" to place their mobile phone sim card, Barclays Bank card and debit card reader into a closed envelope and place it under their front door mat.

The householder reportedly did this between 11pm and 12am on the same evening.

It took just five minutes for the envelope to be taken, after which the victim realised something was wrong and contacted their bank to cancel the cards.

"Residents are reminded to ensure that when speaking with anyone not to start divulging personal information of any type," Kenilworth Watch said.

"If any call or message is received please DO NOT call a number given to you by the caller if it is not the public listed contact number for the bank or building society."