A group of men have appeared in court in connection with a series of cash machine thefts across Kent.

Five men from the county and Essex appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday.

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Four of the men admitted charges of conspiracy to steal cash machines.

A fifth, Billy John Lee, of Basildon, failed to enter a plea and remains on bail while proceedings continue.

The other four admit to being involved with five incidents.

These are:

• An attempted theft of a cash machine from a Co-op in Hopeville Avenue, Broadstairs
• Theft of a cash machine from Asda in Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells
• Theft of a cash machine at Hempsted Valley Shopping Centre
• An attempted theft of a cash machine from Co-op in Lane End, Darenth

Their last target in Brentwood Road, Essex, on Monday, July 22, led Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate to arrest and charge the men.

Adrian Gowers, 55, of Derwent Way, Gillingham; Phillip Barnard, 25, of High Street, Chelmsford; John Lee, 49, of New Waverley Road, Basildon; and David Eves, 48, of Larch Road, Dartford, all admitted charges of conspiracy to commit burglary.

They have been remanded in custody and will appear at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, December 6.

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