A man has been charged with a spree of purse thefts from victims as they shopped and socialised.

Eight of the nine incidents happened in towns around Thanet, with another taking place in Canterbury.

The first purse was stolen in June 2022, in College Walk in Margate, and the most recent was in February in Laundry Road, Minster.

Strahil Iliev, 49, is also accused of stealing in Sturry Road, Canterbury, on February 9.

He is also charged with an attempted theft in Westwood Road, Broadstairs on January 31.

The crimes include taking bags and purses from people in shops and other businesses.

A police spokesman said: "We received a number of calls during January and February 2023 alleging that purses had been stolen from people while out shopping or socialising across the district.

"An investigation into the alleged thefts also examined similar reports received by the force in June and July 2022.

"On April 3, officers charged Strahil Iliev, of Athelstan Road, Margate, with ten offences in total, including the thefts of purses and bags from people in stores and other businesses.

"He was also charged with the attempted theft of a purse in Westwood Road, Broadstairs on January 31.

"The 49-year-old appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on April 4 where he was remanded in custody.

"The case will next be heard at Canterbury Crown Court on a date to be confirmed."