Distraction Burglary Arrests Made By Police

Swale Detectives have charged two men in connection with alleged distraction burglaries in the local area.

Police made two separate arrests after receiving reports that people had tricked their way into homes to steal items. The first arrest was made after officers responded to an incident in Foxley Road, Sittingbourne at around 2.35pm, on Friday 23rd October. Joseph Smith, aged 34, of Lucks Lane, Chart Sutton, was charged with two counts of burglary and an attempted burglary with intent to steal.

The charges are in connection with the following reported incidents:

- Attempted burglary in Stanhope Avenue, Sittingbourne, on Wednesday 21st October
- Burglary in Stanhope Avenue, Sittingbourne, on Wednesday 21st October
- Burglary in Foxley Road, Queenborough, Friday 23rd October (as mentioned above)

He appeared via virtual court on Monday 26th October where he was remanded in custody until he is due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court next Friday (13th November).

The second arrest, which is unrelated to the arrest on the 23rd October, was made after police received a report of a burglary in Alma Road, Sheerness, on Sunday 25th October. Officers carried out enquiries and arrested a suspect on the same day. Nicholas Peter Michael Mitchell, aged 36, of Marine Parade in Sheerness, was charged with burglary. He has been bailed to appear at Maidstone Magistrates' Court on Monday 16th November.

To find out more information on distraction burglary and what you can do to avoid becoming a victim, please visit the advice pages on the Kent Police website: http://www.kent.police.uk/advice/home/bogus_callers_rogue_traders.html