Two men have been charged following an investigation into the thefts of 30 keyless cars across Kent.

Maksims Seluks, 22, and Alminas Satas, 25, have been charged with conspiring to steal motor vehicles.

It comes after officers carried out inquiries into a series of thefts of cars from properties near the M20 in October and November.

Some 30 vehicles were stolen from Ashford, Hawkinge, Maidstone and Tonbridge between October 12 and November 30.

Seluks is also charged with having a knife in Sittingbourne yesterday.

Both men, of Dagenham, east London, appeared before Folkestone Magistrates' Court today and were remanded in custody to appear before Canterbury Crown Court on Monday, January 9.

Drivers of cars with keyless entry systems are advised to take steps to ensure their vehicles are secure.

Police said: "Motorists should check if their entry fobs can be turned off overnight and store them away from any household entry points.

"Drivers can also store their fobs in special bags, which can be bought from retailers, to prevent any unwanted communication between the vehicle and its keys.

"Make sure you don't leave your car keys visible from the outside of your home and park in a garage, secure car park or well-lit area covered by CCTV if possible.

"Consider having windows etched with the vehicle registration number or use an invisible ink marker pen to mark these details and your postcode on the underside frame of the vehicle."