Police have made a number of arrests linked to break-ins across Medway, Swale and north Kent as part of their annual burglary campaign.

Operation Castle launched last month and will run until Friday, January 13.

There is usually an increase in the number of burglaries committed at this time of year, which is mostly due to the evenings getting longer.

Officers are taking further action to clamp down on criminals throughout the campaign and are reminding residents of simple measures they can take to keep their homes secure.

A number of arrests and charges have been made by officers in North Division, which covers Medway, Swale, Dartford and Gravesham.

James Rudd, 20, has been charged in relation to a burglary at a home in Singapore Drive, Gillingham, between November 1 and November 4. He has been remanded in custody to appear in court at a future date.

Wester Matthews, 36, of St Agnes Gardens, Sheerness, has been charged after a caravan in High Street, Sittingbourne, was burgled on November 10. He has been bailed to appear before mid-Kent magistrates on January 6, 2017.

The following people have been arrested since the start of Operation Castle and are currently on bail on suspicion of burglary.

Two men, both aged 20, suspected of burgling a garage in Castle Road, Chatham, on November 1.

A 29-year-old man from Gravesend suspected of burgling a property in Bluett Street, Maidstone, on October 26.

A 25-year-old man from Minster suspected of burgling a garage in High Street, Eastchurch, on October 6.

A 35-year-old man from Minster suspected of burgling a property in the North Road area of Queenborough on November 4.

A 30-year-old woman from Dartford suspected of burgling a property in Olive Road, Dartford, on October 28.

A 47-year-old man from Chatham suspected of burgling a property in High Street, Rochester, on August 16.

A 25-year-old man from Greenhithe suspected of breaking into a shed in Trebble Road, Swanscombe, on November 14.

A 24-year-old woman from Gravesend suspected of burgling a property in Stuart Road, Gravesend, on November 5.

Visit www.kent.police.uk for hints and tips on how to protect your home from burglars.