Police are appealing for witnesses after ram raids on three village stores on Thursday night.

Attempts were made to remove cash machines from the shops between 10pm and 3am.

In each case two 4x4 vehicles were used and police are linking the raids.

One of the stores was in Churchfield Way, Wye, where the raiders failed to gain access but caused considerable daamge.

The others were at Canterbury Road, Lyminge, where again they did not get in, and Honeywood Road, Lenham, where a vehicle and cash mahine were abandoned in the road.

Det Ch Insp Isobel Gibson said: "Clearly these people had no consideration for anyone in the area or the damage they have caused."

Anyone who was in the areas at the time and has information should contact Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.