A 51-year-old man has been charged after police were called in by supermarkets who lost more than £700 in spirits.

Frank Matthews, of Crispin Court, Coxheath, is alleged to have stolen alcohol from Tesco in Farleigh Hill, Maidstone, and from the Larkfield store.

He was arrested yesterday and has been charged with five counts of theft and three counts of criminal damage. He was also charged for possession of cannabis and driving without insurance or a valid MOT.

A police spokesman said: "It is reported that, between May 5 and June 13, bottles of spirits worth more than £700 were stolen during thefts at two Tesco stores."

It is believed security tags on the bottles were damaged and removed before being taken.

Matthews has been bailed and is due to appear before Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, July 21.

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