Two men have been charged in connection with a series of keyless car thefts and burglaries across west Kent, following a major police operation involving Kent Police and the Metropolitan Police Service.
At around 12.30am on Wednesday, 23 April 2025, Kent Police were called to a residential property near Brittains Lane in Sevenoaks after reports of a burglary. It is alleged that three men forced entry into the home and stole the keys to an Audi RS3 before fleeing the scene.
Following swift initial enquiries, officers identified a vehicle suspected to be linked to the burglary. Working alongside colleagues from the Metropolitan Police, officers located and intercepted the vehicle near Eltham, leading to the arrest of two men.
The suspects were transferred to Kent Police custody, where further investigations connected them to a broader conspiracy involving keyless car thefts across both Kent and London.
Charged Suspects:
- De-Voniaye Phillips, 20, of Stock Hill, Biggin Hill, Westerham
- Michael Philbert, 28, of Wharf Street, London
Both men have been charged with conspiring to commit burglary and conspiring to steal motor vehicles.
They appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 25 April, where they were remanded into custody. Their next hearing is scheduled to take place at Maidstone Crown Court at a later date.
A Kent Police spokesperson said:
“Keyless car thefts are a growing concern across the region. We are committed to tackling organised vehicle crime and bringing offenders to justice. We thank our colleagues from the Metropolitan Police for their assistance in this case.
Anyone with further information related to the incidents is urged to contact Kent Police via their website or by calling 101.
