A suspected burglar stole a wallet from a house before using the bank cards inside to make fraudulent transactions.

Four charges have been made against an Karl Armitage, of Queens Road in Aylesham, near Deal.

The 43-year-old is alleged to have stolen the personal item from a home in Grasmere Way yesterday.

He was arrested in Market Place in Aylesham, shortly before 1pm and charged with burglary and three counts of fraud.

He has been remanded in custody to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court today.

Police say burglary offences are known to increase over the festive period as people often leave their homes unattended to attend celebrations.

There are however simple crime prevention steps that can help keep a home secure, including making sure your house is not the only one in the street left in darkness.

Officers advise homeowners to use timers on internal lighting, and arrange for people to visit the property while you are away.

Police also suggest locking away valuable items, installing a safe and disposing of packaging and boxes carefully to avoid advertising what is inside your home.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal