Two men have appeared in court after several reports of shoplifting in Medway.

Between Thursday, June 20, and Wednesday, July 3, £385 worth of food was reportedly stolen from a petrol station in Maidstone Road, Chatham, over four occasions.

Police arrested a man shortly after the latest incident and Tony Cook, of Chalkpit Hill, Chatham, has been charged with four thefts and four counts of breaching a criminal behaviour order.

The 59-year-old appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court today (July 5) and was remanded to a hearing at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court next Friday (July 12).

In a separate incident on Sunday, 30 June, a man reportedly entered Tesco in Frindsbury Road, Strood, and picked up a number of items before leaving without paying for them.

He went back to the store around an hour later where it is said he stole food and some alcohol.

A member of staff followed him outside and was reportedly assaulted. A passing patrol was alerted and officers arrested a suspect.

Louis Foster, of Thornham Road, Twydall, was charged with two thefts and assault by beating.

The 27-year-old appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court today (July 5) and was remanded to return to the same court next Friday (July 12).