A man who smelt of diesel was arrested by officers looking for a suspected fuel thief.

Police were alerted to a suspicious man on a building site in Whitstable after they received reports of a burglary taking place in the area of Golden Hill on Tuesday, July 16.

He was seen getting into a white van and leaving the area.

Officers searched streets around Seasalter and found the suspect van parked on Aurelie Way, unoccupied, containing a number of tools.

At about the same time, a suspicious man was reported to have returned to the site where a padlock had been removed. A 10-litre container of diesel was found with the lid removed.

They arrested the 46-year-old man, smelling of diesel, on suspicion of theft and going equipped for theft.

He has been bailed until August 22.

Police are advising those who store fuel to be extra vigilant.

They advise businesses, schools and farms to use anti-siphon devices and to regularly review security around premises.

Fuel storage containers should be kept locked and alarmed where possible.