A man has appeared in court after more than £1,000 worth of goods were allegedly stolen from town centre shops.

Over a 10 week period leading up to Sunday, January 7, it is alleged the suspect stole items from Boots, Superdrug, WH Smith, Tesco Express and the Co-Op in Ashford.

Cosmetics, toiletries, chocolate, baby milk and household items were among the goods that were reported to have been taken, totalling a value of more than £1,300.

And on January 6, food items worth almost £160 were also reported to have been stolen from a petrol station in Cheriton, Folkestone.

An investigation by officers from Ashford’s Victim Based Crime Team initially led to the arrest of Zane Scamp, 49, of no fixed address, on January 10.

Scamp was later charged with eight counts of theft.

After an initial hearing at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on January 11, Mr Scamp is next due to appear before court on February 1.