Four people have been charged after shopkeepers were allegedly robbed of cigarettes and tobacco just moments after buying them.

Three robberies took place after the purchases were made at wholesale suppliers in Rochester and Gillingham.

Victims were either targeted at the car parks of the warehouses or followed back to their shops.

Quantities of cigarettes and cash were reported stolen in each incident which took place between Sunday, December 15 and Monday, January 20.

Police arrested and charged the following people with conspiring to commit robbery and conspiring to commit theft:

• Danielle Hawley, 37, of Sherborne Road, Orpington
• Nelson Ripley, 32, of Tonbridge Road, Maidstone
• Tara Todd-Dunning, 29, of Laymarsh Close, Belvedere
• Archie Ripley, 25, of McKillop Way, Sidcup

Nelson Ripley was remanded in custody to appear at Medway Magistrates' Court on Monday, January 13 and was further remanded to appear at Maidstone Crown Court at a date to be confirmed.

The three others charged were released on bail to appear at Medway Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, March 17.

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