A series of arrests have been made for suspected crimes including dognapping and drug taking following a joint police operation.

Kent Police joined forces with the Metropolitan Police on Friday as part of a pre-planned patrol through Dartford town centre.

It led to the arrest of 15 people for a range of suspected offences including drugs possession, criminal damage, theft and domestic abuse.

Andrew Nash, 50, of Fairway Drive, Dartford, was arrested after concerned officers stopped to talk to him in London Road.

He was searched and later charged with possession of class A drugs. He was bailed to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on July 7.

Officers patrolling Dartford town centre also arrested 37-year-old Artur Wiese, of Anne of Cleaves Road, Dartford, on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly after he was reported to have been seen at around 12:15pm drinking in an alcohol control zone.

He was charged with being drunk and disorderly and bailed to appear before Medway Magistrates' on July 7.

A 21-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of theft after a dog was reported to have been stolen at 7.45am the same day from a property in Hill View.

The arrested man has since been released on bail until June 29.

A man aged 30 from Dartford was arrested on suspicion of burgling a house in Burnham Road on March 23, where money was taken.

He has since been released under investigation while inquiries continue.

Inspector Sarah Rivett of Dartford Community Safety Unit said: "This was a successful operation which saw a number of outstanding offenders targeted, as well as people being arrested for criminal activity whilst officers were patrolling the town.

"We work hard to target offenders and reduce crime and disorder in the town, and this was a great example of how a joined-up approach with our partners can yield positive results."

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford