A burglar was caught in the act stealing multiple packs of cigarettes from a supermarket.

Police patrols were alerted to an alarm sounding at Tesco Express, in Henderson Drive, Dartford, at around 1.45am on Sunday (May 25).

Arriving at the scene, officers saw that a window at the front of the store had been smashed and there was movement inside.

They then approached the premises where Tom O’Neil raised his hands and surrendered to the constables.

A later review of CCTV showed the 41-year-old entering the shop holding a shovel and duvet cover, before leaping over a counter to help himself to packets of cigarettes.

He was arrested at the scene and later charged with burglary.

O’Neil, of Baden Road, Gillingham, pleaded guilty at his first appearance before Medway Magistrates’ Court the following day.

He has been conditionally bailed to a hearing at the same court on Thursday, July 24.