Five boxes of cooking pots worth a total of around £1,000 were allegedly stolen from the Lakeland store on Friday 26 May 2023.

On Tuesday 10 October, Kent Police officers based at Bluewater were notified that a van believed to have transported the stolen goods had returned to the location.

A search commenced and the vehicle was located in one of the on-site car parks. Two men were arrested shortly afterwards.

Joseph McDonnaugh, 25, of Chaucer Close in Enfield, north London, and David Reilly, 27, of Abbey Close in Hackney, east London, have both since been charged with theft following an investigation by the North Kent Victim Based Crime Team.

Mr McDonnaugh has also been charged with fraud in relation to the use of a false vehicle registration plate.

Both men were bailed to attend Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday 3 November.