A man has been jailed after breaking into a cafe, restaurant and two beauty salons in and around Medway.

Kevin Coates, of James Street in Gillingham broke in to the properties in Gillingham, Rochester and Gravesend over a week in July 2017.

The 38-year-old stole electronics, hundreds of pounds of cash and caused thousands of pounds in damages.

In two of the break-ins he smashed the lower window of the front door and hid the damage with a nearby wheelie bin.

He also shoplifted from two supermarket chains in June and broke into a home and a takeaway in August.

Coates was linked to each offence by a combination of CCTV footage and DNA evidence.

Following his arrest he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to two charges of theft and five charges of burglary.

He was also found to be in breach of a suspended sentence.

Coates was sentenced to two years and two weeks in prison.

Investigating officer DC Aaron Chapman said: "Coates is a public menace and it’s absolutely in the interest of those living in Medway to have him off the streets and in jail.

"I hope this sentence provides some peace of mind to the affected business-owners and encourages Coates to turn his life around upon release."