Santa Claus has been stopped by police during a day of action trying to catch criminals.

Road checks have taken place throughout the day with officers targeting issues like drink driving and theft.

At one in Aylesford, a man dressed as St Nicholas was stopped driving a van with defective lights. He was given two weeks to sort them out.

Seven fixed penalty notices were also issued for other vehicles with defects, and three prohibition orders were given to drivers - two for faulty tyres and one for tinted windows.

Earlier this morning, raids were carried out at locations across the county including Maidstone, Gravesend and Ashford as part of Operation Whirlwind.

Twelve people have been arrested so far, including Sian Hogson, of Ingram Close, Aylesford who has been charged in relation to handling stolen goods.

Three men, aged 18, 21 and 25, all from the Ashford area have also been held on suspicion of drug offences.

Four people were arrested in Hartley for offences including burglary and the cultivation of cannabis and two others, aged 24 and 44, from Northfleet, were also arrested on suspicion of growing the drug.

A 40-year-old woman from Herne Bay was held on suspicion of shoplifting and another person is in custody from Maidstone on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

A significant amount of property was also seized including cash, drugs, a motorbike, computer equipment and a knuckle duster.

Deputy Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: "Kent is one of the safest places in the country and we're determined, with your help and support, to keep it that way.

"I have an early Christmas message for criminals: If you're thinking of committing crime in Kent, think again, or pay the price and face the consequences."

Audio: Deputy Chief Constable Alan Pughsley at road check