Four ram raiders who targeted Co-op stores around Sittingbourne, have pleaded guilty to the offences at Maidstone Crown Court.

The first raid occurred on November 17, last year at the Co-op store at the Parade on Northwood Drive, Sittingbourne.

The next two occurred a week later at 1am when the gang first tried at the Co-op in London Road, Teynham, by reversing a car through the front window of the store.

However, they were unsuccessful in their attempt so they then used the same method 30 minutes later to gain access to the Co-op in Gadby Road, Sittingbourne, where they stole a quanitity of cigarettes.

The final offence occurred on November 30 in High Street, Newington.

Peter John Beale, 29, of Coldharbour Lane, Kemsley, admitted three counts of burglary.

Matthew Groves, 32, of Berridge Road, Sheerness, 55-year-old Piyush Patel, of Aldington Close, Chatham, and 43-year-old Keyur Patel, of Ryeglass Close, Chatham, pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods.

They will re-appear for sentencing on November 10.

Inspector Kris Hill, of Maidstone Tactical Crime Investigation Department, has welcomed the men's guilty pleas.

He said: “I am delighted that these men will now be brought to justice and that the overwhelming evidence gathered by our team has led to this guilty plea.

"This was a violent crime which caused a great deal of damage to the stores which were targeted and I hope this acts as a warning to others that such offences will not be tolerated.”