Callous thieves have stolen children's Christmas presents after targeting family homes in west Kent.

Burglars made off with gifts, jewellery and electrical goods after breaking into properties in West Malling on Monday night.

The burglaries have prompted Kent Police to warn people in the county to make sure doors and windows are locked when going out and to fit security locks and intruder alarms to make their homes more secure.

Valuable items and Christmas presents should be removed from clear view and property can be marked with invisible ink, making it easier to return if it is recovered by police after a break-in.

Insp Nick Sparkes of the Tonbridge and Malling neighbourhood team at Kent Police said: "Burglary is an intrusive and impactive crime which we're working hard to stop.

"But we need every single resident to do their bit to reduce the vulnerabilities over the Christmas period."

Insp Sparkes also reminded residents not to "advertise" their valuables to burglars by leaving the boxes they came in out for collection after Christmas.