A 31-year-old man has been charged with a string of theft-related offences across Whitstable and Herne Bay.

Adam Crawford, of no fixed address, appeared at Medway magistrates' court yesterday.

He faced a long list of charges, which included stealing people's purses and swiping charity collection pots.

He was charged with the theft of a charity box and a tip jar from the Rock Lodge restaurant and bar in Oxford Street, Whitstable, on March 25 – and with stealing another charity tin from Costa Coffee in the high street two days later.

On April 4, he allegedly burgled a hotel in Marine Parade, Whitstable, from which computer equipment, cash and bank cards were stolen, and later the same week he reportedly stole two vases from a shop in Sea Wall, and attempted to steal a lock from a store in Harbour Street.

Crawford is also charged with stealing meat from supermarkets across the area – including Tesco Express in Tankerton Road, Whitstable, and Co-op stores across Whitstable and Herne Bay.

He also allegedly stole an air rifle from a commercial premises in Pier Avenue, Herne Bay, on February 3.

He is also charged with stealing purses, cash and a wallet from people in Mortimer Street, Herne Bay, and several Whitstable locations including Zizzi's and a sports club in Reeves Way.

He allegedly fraudulently used stolen bank cards in supermarkets, shops and a restaurant across the two towns, throughout March and April.

Crawford is due to appear in court again on Wednesday, May 30.