Four men have been charged with conspiracy to burgle in connection with a series of ram raids at four Co-op stores in the Sittingbourne area.

Matthew Groves, 32, of Berridge Road, Sheerness, Peter John Beale, 29, of Coldharbour Lane, Kemsley; Piyush Patel, 55, l of Aldington Close, Chatham and Keyur Patel of Ryeglass Close, Chatham, 43, all appeared before Maidstone magistrates on January 9 and have been bailed to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on January 30 for a plea and directions hearing.