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Kent Police make 170 burglary arrests under Operation Castle

A crackdown on burglary in Kent has seen officers make 170 arrests.

Operation Castle, which is an annual campaign designed to target those who are thought to be involved in burglaries, has also focused on giving the public advice.

Up to today, 66 people had been detained for burglary-related offences in December.

Stock picture
Stock picture

That includes those who are suspected of crimes to do with getting into outbuildings, sheds and garages.

In November, Kent Police took 106 individuals into custody.

One of those was Duncan Bennett, aged 32 and of Pembroke Gardens, Gillingham, and Aaron Trotter, aged 30 from Yarrow Road, Chatham.

They were arrested in Gillingham town centre on the evening of Monday, December 18.

It is thought they had been involved in an aggravated burglary in Margate Road just minutes before.

Although nothing was stolen and no injuries were reported, a woman was threatened and a mobile and car windscreen were damaged.

They were both charged with aggravated burglary with Trotter remanded to appear at Medway Magistrates' Court where he appeared and was ordered to go back to custody until he appears at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday, January 17.

A man has been arrested after several burglaries in Canterbury
A man has been arrested after several burglaries in Canterbury

When Trotter was arrested on suspicion of burglary, he was also arrested on suspicion of failing to provide a specimen of breath, driving without a licence and driving without insurance and subsequently charged with each of these offences.

Bennett has been bailed to attend Medway Magistrates’ Court on 24 January 2018.

Officers have reminded residents of some crime prevention advice that can help reduce the chances of falling victim to burglary.

Householders should keep keys, cash and expensive items out of view, use timer switches on lights if you're heading out and keep all gates locked.

As well as this bikes and tools should be locked away.

Kent Police is also running its Unwrapped Present campaign, a reminder to be mindful of the law instead of spending Christmas in custody.

A common offence at this time of the year is drink-driving, or similar offences such as refusing to give a specimen when stopped by an officer.

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