Three men have been arrested after a van and tools were stolen during two thefts in Whitstable.

Police launched an investigation after receiving reports of the incidents, which took place on January 14 and January 15 close to the centre of town.

A van containing tools was stolen from the Cromwell Road area in the first theft, before power tools were taken from a property near Cornwallis Circle.

Officers traced the stolen goods to elsewhere in the town and recovered them on Tuesday, January 17.

A 42-year-old man from Whitstable was arrested on suspicion of burglary and handling stolen goods on the same day.

A suspect, aged 41, from Faversham was apprehended on suspicion of burglary and attempted theft of a vehicle on January 19.

The van was also recovered a week later in Canterbury following a report it was used to steal roofing materials from a store in Dover.

A 36-year-old man from Maidstone was arrested on the same day on suspicion of theft from a shop, theft of a vehicle and dangerous driving on the same day .

All three suspects have been released on bail until dates in April.

Police are now urging residents take steps to protect their tools against thieves in the wake of the thefts.

DC James Coomber said: "Anyone who uses a work van should empty it at the end of a day – if they can - and lock the contents securely away elsewhere.

"Keep an inventory of the tools, together with any serial numbers they have and also photograph anything valuable.

"It is advisable to get your tools marked with identification such as initials and postcodes so if they are stolen, it will be difficult for criminals to sell on but easier to reunite any tools recovered by police.

"Consider parking your vehicle near CCTV and security lights to deter any potential thieves.

"Be wary of buying second-hand tools - especially if they already have initials or other identifying marks printed on them."