A man has been charged with burglary following a string of copper piping thefts - which have sparked a police warning to homeowners.

Officers were called at about 11.50pm on Saturday, after a report of "suspicious activity" at an empty property in Glenside Avenue, Canterbury.

Officers rushed to the scene and a man was arrested.

Raymond Roberts, of The Street in Adisham, has since been charged with burglary in relation to the theft of copper from the address.

The 39-year-old has also been charged with two further counts of burglary in relation to the theft of copper piping and other items from two properties in Pyott Mews, Canterbury, between August 13 and 18.

Mr Roberts appeared before Folkestone Magistrates' Court today. He was remanded in custody to appear again on a date that is yet to be arranged.

Det Con Stacey Edwards, of East Kent Criminal Investigation Department, said: "Thefts of piping and other metal items from homes can cause considerable damage which is expensive to repair.

"I would like to remind owners of rental properties to regularly check on the premises, particularly when no tenants are present, to ensure buildings are secure and that no attempts have been made to break in.

"Anything suspicious should be reported to Kent Police through our website, by calling 101, or dialling 999 if a crime is in progress."

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury