A child allegedly had his phone stolen while playing football in a park by two adults.

John Vidler, 31, and Alice Collins, 29, are both facing charges in connection to the allegation from December where it is said they stole the mobile in a recreational area in Marden.

They will both appear before Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on March 1.

It comes as almost 70 charges have been brought against suspects in Maidstone over the past month linked to offences including shoplifting, assaults and hate crimes.

They are connected to cases investigated by the town’s victim based crime team (VBCT) who focus on deterring prolific offenders and reducing the impact crime has on the community and businesses.

Police have been looking into ways to help retailers combat thieves and associated crimes such as abuse and threats made to shop staff.

On November 25, it is alleged that Dave O’Connell entered a Co-op in Loose Road and stole alcohol. He is also reported to have struck an employee in the face and shouted racial abuse at him.

The 34-year-old, of Meadowbank Road, Chatham, has been charged with racially aggravated assault, public order offences and shoplifting.

He will appear before Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on February 27.

Hate motivated offences have also been a priority for officers. One investigation saw two people arrested following an alleged assault in the early hours of July 22.

It is said two men were assaulted as they walked home from a night out in Maidstone town centre and subjected to homophobic abuse and threats.

Ben Marshall, 23, of Lister Close, East Malling, and a second suspect from Scotland were arrested and both have now been charged with two counts of assault and two counts of using threatening words or behaviour intending, thereby to stir up hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation.

They were bailed to appear at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on March 17.

District commander for Maidstone, chief inspector Mark McLellan said: "Maidstone is by and large a safe place to live and visit, but like any town it will have ongoing issues often linked to those posed by prolific or repeat offenders.

"This is why tackling crimes such as shopliftings, petty theft and street disorder are so important in building trust and confidence among the communities we serve.

"We will never accept that retail staff should have to deal with confrontations or threats as part of their jobs, or that young people should ever feel they need to look over their shoulders after enjoying an evening out."