Power tools worth more than £4,500 have been stolen from vans in Herne Bay and Whitstable - just days after police issued a warning telling people to be vigilant.

Three DeWalt toolboxes containing a power drill, a grinder and a circular saw worth £2,000 were stolen from a van parked in Westmeads Road, Whitstable, between 10pm on Sunday and 6.15am on Monday.

It followed a similar incident in Thistle Drive, Seasalter, when a Makita drill worth £250, a DeWalt drill worth £150 and a Hilti drill worth £1,200 were stolen from a Ford Transit van between 10.30pm on Saturday and 9.30am on Sunday.

Days earlier, a TomTom sat nav worth £150 was stolen from a Kia Sportage parked in Diamond Road, Whitstable, between 6pm on Tuesday, June 23 and 5pm on Wednesday, June 22.

In Herne Bay, various DeWalt power tools worth £1,000 were taken from a Peugeot Boxer van parked in Vinten Close, Herne Bay, between midnight on Thursday, June 23 and 8.30am on Monday.

Police have offered advice in reducing the chance of becoming a victim of crime.

They say motorists should ensure all doors and windows are locked, park in a secure and well-lit area, not leave items on display, ensure the vehicle's alarm is switched on, not leaving keys visible and security marking items so they can be identified if found.

Anyone with information about the thefts or who has been offered similar items for sale is asked to contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference ZY/21350/16.