Police have reassured Meopham residents that rumours of a spate of recent burglaries in the village are false.

Concern was rife on social media that burglars were targeting the area south of Gravesend.

Residents shared their worries on Facebook group Meopham Village Not Town.

Meopham Parish Councillor James Ferrin said: "It’s a surprise because the area has been perceived as very safe for a long time.

"What it has shown is that the spirit of the area is excellent and people pulled together in quite a big way."

Kent Police confirmed they are investigating reports of a theft of blue Fiat 500 from Norwood Lane between 4.30pm on October 22 and 7.30am on October 23.

Three reports of burglaries, two of which were from homes, have also been reported in October.

Inspector Chris Carter, of the Gravesham Community Safety Unit, said: "We are aware residents living in Meopham have raised concerns about an increase in burglaries in the area.

"I would like to reassure them that this is not the case.

"Of course, one crime is one too many and local policing officers will continue to carry out patrols in the area at all times of the day to deter opportunist criminals."