Police are warning people to take extra precautions following a series of arrests in connection with burglary offences in west Kent.

In total 16 people have been arrested this month, including two teenagers and a man who has been charged in connection with a burglary that occurred more than a year ago.

A number of suspects have been either charged, or bailed following incidents in areas including Maidstone, Tonbridge and Longfield.

Officers investigating a burglary which occurred at the George and Dragon pub, Headcorn, in July of last year have charged a 45-year-old man with the offence.

Keith Pimley, of Cecilia Road, Hackney, was arrested on Thursday, July 3, following investigations into a break-in at the High Street premises more than a year ago in which bottles of spirits were reportedly stolen.

Pimley has been bailed to appear at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, September 18.

Elsewhere Carl Chang, 25, of Batchwood Green, Orpington, was arrested on Wednesday, July 9, and charged with burglary following reports that cash and jewellery were stolen from a property in Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, last month.

Chang is set to appear at Maidstone Crown court later this month.

"Burglary is still a rare crime, but it can have a devastating effect on the victims and I want to reassure the public that we are doing all we can to bring arrests and charges against those responsible." - Chief Supt Steve Corbishley

A 19-year-old man from Maidstone was arrested on Tuesday, July 8, in connection to a reported burglary where the door of a property in Marian Square, Staplehurst, was forced open on May 27.

The suspect has been bailed until Tuesday, September 16, pending further inquiries.

In Longfield two 18-year-old men were arrested in connection with the burglary of a garage in Billings Hill Shaw, Hartley, last month. have now arrested two men.

The men have been bailed, pending further inquires.

Divisional Commander for West Kent, Chief Supt Steve Corbishley, said: "Burglary is still a rare crime, but it can have a devastating effect on the victims and I want to reassure the public that we are doing all we can to bring arrests and charges against those responsible.

"Our officers will also relentlessly pursue anyone seeking to profit from these crimes through other means, such as handling stolen goods.

"I would also like to remind residents that they can help us track down offenders and secure successful convictions by identifying their personal and valuable possessions. Mark your property, by taking photographs of items and recording serial numbers. In the event of anything being stolen this greatly improves the chances of your property being reunited with you."