Three arrests have been made and two men charged in connection with a series of burglaries in west Kent.

A Croydon man believed to be behind six offences in which jewellery, cash and computing equipment were stolen in Hever, Penshurst and Sevenoaks has appeared in court accused of six offences committed between March and June.

Anthony Murray, 34, appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court yesterday where he was remanded in custody. He will next appear before Maidstone Crown Court on 31 August.

Anthony Bashford, 43, of Ewell Avenue, West Malling has been charged with burglary after cash and clothes were stolen from a private area of a shop in High Street, West Malling, last month.

He is due to appear at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 22.

A suspect was arrested in connection with a burglary earlier this year in Frittenden, Cranbrook, where an off road buggy and child’s motorcycle were stolen.

The 26-year-old man, from Maidstone was taken into custody on Wednesday after his car was stopped by officers in Sittingbourne but has now been released, pending further investigation.

Det Chf Insp Jon Armory said: "Burglary is still a rare crime, but it can have a devastating effect on the victims and I want to reassure the public that we are doing all we can to bring arrests and charges against those responsible.

"I would also like to remind residents that they can help us track down offenders and secure successful convictions by identifying their personal and valuable possessions. Mark your property, by taking photographs of items and recording serial numbers. In the event of anything being stolen this greatly improves the chances of your property being reunited with you."