Two women have been charged after a spate of more than 20 thefts.

A series of repeated thefts in and around Sittingbourne, at supermarkets including Tesco, Co-op and Aldi, have been investigated by police.

The offences are reported to have taken place between January and February this year, when items including alcohol, magazines and grocery products were stolen.

Shelley Earnshaw, 30, and Gentinia Bignall, 44, were arrested on Sunday, February 26.

Earnshaw, of Greenways, Sittingbourne, was charged with nine counts of theft and yesterday pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates' Court.

She was sentenced to 200 days in prison.

Bignall, of Thistle Walk, Murston, Sittingbourne, was charged with 12 thefts, two counts of assault and a public order offence.

She appeared at the same court but did not enter a plea and remains in custody until her next hearing on Tuesday, March 7.