A family's Christmas presents have been stolen from their car by an opportunist thief near Dartford.

The victim had been hiding the bag full of gifts in his vehicle outside their house in Sutton-at-Hone.

But the thief struck as the man went back inside while defrosting the car early yesterday.

The presents were taken from his unlocked car at about 7.40am.

The theft came just a day after three iPads and a laptop case were stolen from a woman at Stour Retail Park, near Canterbury.

A man had asked for directions from the victim in the car park at about 4.45pm.

Ch Insp Lee Russell, from Kent Police, said: "Opportunist thieves know people are busy at this time of year - don't give them the opportunity to spoil your Christmas. Take a few simple steps to keep yourself and your property stay safe. Don't wait until it's too late."

For safety advice from Kent Police's Stafe Safe Winter campaign, visit www.kent.police.uk/winter.