Five suspects – including a man in his 70s – have been arrested following a spree of restaurant and cafe break-ins.

A total of six establishments were targeted in two weeks along the coast between Folkestone and Dymchurch, police say.

Officers believe the group also attempted to burgle a seventh location.

Police stopped a suspicious vehicle on Wednesday, April 10, and, following a search, the men were arrested on suspicion of burglary.

At the scene, police seized goods believed to be stolen.

The suspects, who are aged between 18 and 70, remain in custody while an investigation continues.

The alleged burglaries took place between Wednesday, March 27, and Monday.

Businesses in Seabrook; Dymchurch Road and Martello Drive in Hythe; Tontine Street, Folkestone; Dymchurch Road in St Mary’s Bay and in High Street, Dymchurch all reported they had been targeted.

It was reported that padlocks, bolts and door panels had been removed and cash had been taken from the premises, along with food and drink.

It is also alleged that, over the same period, the door to a homeware store in Park Farm, Folkestone, had been interfered with in an attempt to get into the premises.

Investigations, including reviewing CCTV footage, are ongoing and business owners are warned to be on their guard.

Det Insp James Wyles of Folkestone Community Safety Unit said: “Crimes such as these can have devastating consequences for businesses and leave long-lasting effects that ripple out through communities.

“While officers are investigating these reports, I remind business owners to be extra cautious - ensuring windows, doors and storage buildings are locked and making sure that security systems are switched on when away from the premises.

”Consider fitting CCTV that covers the front and rear of the premises and use timer switches on lights as a deterrent.

“Don’t keep valuables on display, but consider installing a safe that could be bolted to the ground or wall.”

Business people are also advised to keep gates, boundaries and storage sheds secure.

They should also make sure items such as bins, which can be used to climb over fences or into windows, are stored out of sight.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/55085/24.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or by using the online form.