A thief who stole items including charity collection boxes in a three-month stealing spree has been jailed.

Adam Crawford snuck out of supermarkets carrying baskets full of meat, pocketing purses and wallets from customers while they dined in restaurants and cafés and distracting shop staff while he stole their stock.

The 32-year-old also swiped charity boxes and a tip jar from eateries in Whitstable and Herne Bay.

He stole belongings from guests of a Whitstable hotel, later claiming to police he had obtained a skeleton key to all the rooms.

Victims of purse and wallet thefts then started reporting money had gone missing from their bank accounts, as Crawford used their cards to pay for goods and food and alcohol at shops and restaurants.

His stealing spree was not limited to commercial premises – on March 9, he burgled a Herne Bay resident.

The victim heard a key rattling in the front door and saw someone running from his property.

He later discovered money had been stolen and suspicious activity on his bank card.

When interviewed by police, Crawford said: “I deeply regret my actions.

"I committed these offences to fuel my heroin addiction. I am deeply ashamed for stealing the collection boxes.

"This was the lowest point of my life. If I could compensate the victims in any way I would.”

Crawford, of no fixed address, admitted all charges as well as further offences committed in Sunderland, which had included stealing two Christmas trees from a B&Q store.

Crawford, who was unrepresented when he appeared at Canterbury Crown Court, told the judge: “I deserve whatever is coming along.”

He said he was free from drugs, and was undergoing group therapy.

He was sentenced on July 19 to five years and six months in prison.

Police Sergeant Tom Mercer said: "Crawford’s offending was wide-reaching, and affected a lot of local businesses.

"It was down to the hard work of the local Canterbury policing teams, who put together all the evidence to ensure Crawford was brought to court to face up to his criminal behaviour."