Detectives investigating reports of distraction burglaries have charged two men with offences.

Kent Police received four separate reports about two men who had apparently targeted four homes in Broadstairs and Chatham, where these men were claiming to be police officers in order to gain entry into the properties.

The incidents were reported to have happened between noon and 2.30pm in Carlton Avenue, Broadstairs Road and Northdown Hill, all in Broadstairs, and Broadlands Drive in Chatham, last Thursday, November 23.

In two of the incidents a quantity of cash was allegedly taken and commemorative coins were also reported stolen.

On the same day officers arrested and subsequently charged Paul Ellis, 43, from The Oaks, Hersden, and John O’Brien, 37 and from Briar Road, Stockton on Tees, Cleveland, with two counts of burglary and theft and two counts of attempted burglary with intent to steal.

Both men appeared before Maidstone Magistrates’ Court last Saturday, November 25, where Ellis was remanded into custody and O’Brien was bailed until their next appearance, which will be at Canterbury Crown Court, on Wednesday, December 22.