A man has been charged after Lego sets and food were repeatedly stolen in two Kent towns.

Police have been investigating a string of linked thefts in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge amid a crackdown on shoplifting.

The incidents include a theft at Fenwick in the Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre, where a Prada gift bag was stolen.

Sainsbury’s stores were allegedly targeted by a thief who repeatedly stole Lego sets, as well as food and confectionery.

The thefts are reported to have taken place between November 22 and December 3.

An investigation is being led by the Tonbridge Victim Based Crime Team, and on Tuesday Steven Padley, 43, of no fixed address, was arrested.

He was charged with six counts of theft and appeared before Folkestone Magistrates’ Court today.

Detective Inspector Rik Spicer said: “Shoplifting is never a victimless crime, and it is certainly not something we are ever willing to tolerate.

“Our local officers are committed to protecting retailers, who ultimately are left with little choice but to pass on the cost of thefts to law-abiding customers.

“Members of the public should be reassured that we remain focused on using every tool at our disposal to detect and arrest suspects and bring them before the courts at the earliest opportunity.

“This includes our use of plain clothes constables who blend in with the crowds, as well as visible targeted patrols, to gain valuable intelligence and identify potential offenders.”