Detectives are linking the theft of a van to burglaries at a pharmacy and a mobile phone shop in Margate.
They are appealing for witnesses following the burglaries, which are reported to have taken place on Monday, December 10.
The silver Ford Transit van was reported stolen from the car park of a pub in Northdown Park Road, Margate, at 2.26am on Saturday, December 8.
The van is believed to have been used in a burglary at a mobile phone shop in Northdown Road, Cliftonville, at 4.35am on Monday, December 10.
Detective Sergeant Claire Munday said: “The owner was inside his shop when he saw two men in dark clothing look through the window. Moments later a van was driven into the window several times, causing significant damage to the shopfront. When the driver of the vehicle saw someone was inside the shop he drove off empty-handed.”
At 8.33am on Monday, December 10, medication was stolen from a pharmacy in Summerfield Road, Cliftonville.
DS Munday said: “A member of staff disturbed two men in the shop and they left the scene in a van driven by a third man. The driver was described as being of a medium build and was wearing a beige or grey hooded top.”
Police believe the stolen van was used in both burglaries. DS Munday said: “We are appealing for anyone who saw the silver Ford Transit in the Thanet area since it was stolen on Saturday to contact us.
“We would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed – or has dash cam footage of – either the phone shop or pharmacy burglaries.”
If you can help, please phone Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference number 46/21483/18.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.