A delivery van was stolen while being used to drop off parcels.

The vehicle was swiped in Codrington Road in Ramsgate just before 3pm on Wednesday, and found a short time later a mile away in Durlock Avenue.

It was being used for deliveries and parcels containing electronic equipment were missing when the van was found.

Following investigations by officers from the Thanet Community Policing Team (CPT), a 31-year-old woman from Ramsgate was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and driving while disqualified.

She has been released under investigation while enquiries are ongoing.

Sergeant Sean Scarsbrook of Thanet CPT is asking the public to be vigilant, especially those using vehicles to deliver parcels.

"Please switch off your engines and lock your vehicle between deliveries to help reduce the risk of this form of criminal activity," he said.

"People who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in Durlock Avenue at the time of the theft are asked to contact us."

Witnesses should call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/2778/21.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111, or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet