A man has been charged in connection with 13 burglaries at commercial premises all over east Kent.

Lee Owen, 42, of no fixed address, is accused of conspiring to commit a burglary.

His arrest on Friday followed an investigation by a special burglary task force and relates to offences committed between November 9 last year and January 20 at shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses in Whitstable, Faversham, Herne Bay, Aylesham and Ash where safes and cash were stolen.

Owen appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Saturday where he was remanded in custody. The case will next be heard at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday, March 7.

A 22-year-old man from Faversham, who was also arrested as part of the investigation, has been released on bail until February 23.