A suspected thief has been charged after a major department store at Bluewater was repeatedly targeted .

More than £3,500 worth of designer clothing, food and alcohol were allegedly stolen from John Lewis at the Greenhithe shopping centre, between August 6 and August 27.

On August 27, a suspect was detained by security staff and arrested. Constables also seized some shoes and perfume from Next and Boots.

Ross Butler, of Cobsdene, Gravesend, was bailed and charged with 11 thefts on his return to the police station on Friday (October 4).

The 44-year-old was then conditionally bailed to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, October 24.