A 33-year-old man from Whitstable has been arrested as part of a police operation into burglaries from outbuildings and sheds across Canterbury and Swale.

Police executed four warrants yesterday following a spate of thefts seizing gardening equipment, metal and other stolen goods.

The man has been arrested and bailed with strict conditions until Tuesday, October 14 pending further enquiries.

The operation was carried out in response to residents concerns as officers pledged to continue their investigations into Burglary Other Than Dwellings (BOTD).

Chief Inspector Mark Arnold said: “The warrants were executed as part of activity carried out in response to residents’ concerns about shed and outbuilding burglaries.

"We take BOTD seriously and officers are working hard to tackle this issue.

"We would also encourage people to take appropriate safety steps to reduce the risk of having your property stolen."

Investigators say the risk of theft can be cut by disabling lawn mowers, using close shackle padlocks and security marking property using a UV pen or forensic marking solution.

For more information visit www.kent.police.uk.