Man charged after theft of Nutcracker statue

A man has been charged following the theft of a singing Nutcracker statue in Kent, police said.

The 5ft (1.5m) Christmas decoration was taken from outside Luke Allum Funeral Directors in Broadway, Sheerness on Friday.

Kent Police said two men were arrested in connection with the incident.

John Bain, 39, of Invicta Road, Sheerness, was later charged with three counts of theft - two of which related to separate incidents at a shop in Neats Court Retail Park on 25 November and on 1 December.

He has been released on bail and is due to appear at Medway Magistrates' Court on 11 February.

Police said a 59-year-old-man from Sheerness, who was also arrested in connection with the decoration's theft, has been released without charge.

They add they are still trying to locate the stolen statue.

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