Police have issued a warning to people not to leave valuables in their vehicles after a smartphone was stolen from a van.

Ryan Christie was sentenced to 120 days in prison on Thursday for stealing the phone from a van in Grove Road, Chatham.

The 40-year-old from Marine Terrace, Folkestone was arrested minutes after the theft on Tuesday, August 16 by the community policing team.

He also charged with going equipped for theft and handling stolen goods.

A police spokesman said: “We can all take extra precautions to reduce the chances of becoming victims of crime.

“As well as locking and alarming your vehicle, it is also worth removing valuable items from inside or locking them in the boot. Also park in a secure car park or well-lit location whenever possible.”