So far this month, officers have charged nine people and arrested a further four during a campaign against burglars.

Operation Castle began in October with the aim of helping residents reduce their chances of being a victim of crime whilst also bringing offenders to justice.

Since December 3, officers in Medway, Dartford, Gravesend and Swale have continued to crack-down on burglars and arrest those responsible for break-ins.

On December 7, 39-year-old Kenny Mills was sent to prison for 60 days following a burglary at the Arriva bus depot in Gillingham the previous day. Mills of Duncan Road, Gillingham, was recalled to prison for a previous offence.

David Haggerty, 38, has been charged with a burglary in Choir Close, Wainscott. Haggerty, of Elmwood Road, Chattenden, has been bailed to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on January 4, 2016.

A 20-year-old woman and two males, aged 17 and 14, were arrested in connection with a burglary in Wyles Street, Gillingham, on December 10. All three have been bailed, pending further enquiries, until January 14, 2016.

When the campaign started figures showed domestic burglary crime across the whole county was already down 17% per cent compared to last year.

There were 4,890 recorded burglaries for the year ending August 2015, compared to 5,931 for the same period the previous year.

Officers in North Kent arrested a 22-year-old following a burglary in Cooper Close, Greenhithe, on November 29. Mason Hoadley, of Sanderling Way, Greenhithe, has been charged and bailed to appear at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on January 12, 2016.

"Whilst there has been a significant fall in burglary rates in Kent our view is that every break-in is one too many" - DS Chris Dovey

Christopher Navaro-Contreras, 26 and David Espinoza-Aravena, 24, both of no fixed abode, are charged with a burglary at Court Lodge, Shorne on December 8. The pair appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on December 11 and were remanded in custody until a future court date.

Scott Turner, 31, is charged with a burglary in Chaucer Road, Dartford, between December 10 and 11. Turner, of Farnol Road, Dartford, was remanded in custody and will appear at Maidstone Crown Court on January 8, 2016.

DS Chris Dovey said: "Whilst there has been a significant fall in burglary rates in Kent our view is that every break-in is one too many.

"Burglary can have devastating consequences for the victims and I want to reassure residents there will be no let up from us in in tackling criminals who target people’s properties."

A 17-year-old male from Dartford appeared at Medway Youth Court yesterday charged with an aggravated burglary, following an incident in Birchwood road, Wilmington, on September 25.

A 19-year-old man from Gravesend has been bailed pending further enquiries until January 27, 2016, in connection to a shed break in at Kitchener Avenue, Gravesend.

In Swale, officers have charged Christopher Lamb, 34, and Kelly Lamb, 33, both of Love Lane, Faversham, have been charged with an attempted burglary in Tanners Street, Faversham on December 10. They have been bailed to appear at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on January 22, 2016.

DS Dovey added: "We are doing all we can to identity potential offenders and ensure they receive a swift and robust response from officers.

"We need your help as well, so please remember to always lock your doors and windows and also keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours, such as the elderly."