Police investigating a series of thefts in rural areas of west Kent have charged a man.

Items including tractor batteries and a chainsaw were reported stolen during a three-week period in Cranbrook and Matfield, while there were also similar crimes reported in East Malling and Maidstone.

Officers arrested 22-year-old Joseph Smith, of Hilltop Gardens, Dartford on Tuesday.

He has now been charged with two thefts, a burglary and an offence of vehicle interference. He is further charged with causing criminal damage in Maidstone, in relation to damage caused to CCTV cameras.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between January 8 and January 26.

Mr Smith was remanded in custody to appear, via virtual link, before Medway Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday).