A suspected shoplifter is accused of stealing hundreds of pounds worth of alcohol, meat and washing detergent across coastal Kent towns.

Benjamin Birch, 37, of Westmeads Road in Whitstable, was charged on Tuesday with 20 counts of theft relating to shoplifting in stores between July 29 and October 14.

The long list of charges relate to the following thefts:

• Meat was stolen from Tesco Express in Tankerton Road, Whitstable, on July 29.

• About £99 worth of gin was stolen from Aldi in Prospect Way, Whitstable, on August 4.

• About £118 worth of washing detergent was stolen from Sainsbury’s in Station Road, Birchington, on August 26.

• Razors and meat were stolen from Sainsbury’s in High Street, Whitstable, on September 3.

• Alcohol worth £94 was stolen from Co-op in Moat Sole Road, Sandwich, on September 4.

• Meat was stolen from Sainsbury’s in Station Road, Birchington, on September 14

• Alcohol worth £146 was stolen from Co-op in Moat Sole Road, Sandwich, on September 18.

• Meat was stolen from Sainsbury’s in High Street, Whitstable, on September 19.

• Meat worth £14 was stolen from CJ’s Discount Store in High Street, Whitstable, on September 19.

• Razors and confectionary worth a total of £126 were stolen from Sainsbury’s in High Street, Whitstable, on September 20.

• Alcohol worth £110 was stolen from Co-op in Moat Sole Road, Sandwich, on September 20.

• Meat and confectionary was stolen from Sainsbury’s in High Street, Whitstable, on September 22.

• Beer was stolen from the same store on September 23.

• Meat and beer was stolen from the Sainsbury’s again on September 26.

• Washing detergent to the value of £224 was stolen from the supermarket on September 27.

• Meat was stolen from Sainsbury’s in Bysing Wood Road, Faversham, on October 3.

• Meat was stolen from the same store on October 4.

• Food was stolen from the Sainsbury’s on October 10.

• Meat was stolen from the supermarket on Sunday.

• Alcohol worth £60 was stolen from the same shop on Monday.

Mr Birch appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court via virtual link on Wednesday and was remanded in custody.

The case will next be heard at Maidstone Crown Court at a date yet to be confirmed.

Read more: All the latest news from Whitstable