Kent locals, beware! Two men posing as buyers swiped a Dartford woman’s Mercedes A-Class just hours after a test drive – but police were on the case and caught them fast.
Key Swap Scam Sees Merc Taken
The saga began when the owner listed her Mercedes on an online marketplace on Saturday, 28 February 2026. Potential buyers came to check out the car on Monday, 2 March. During the meeting, one rogue switched the real key for a copy. The owner briefly drove off but returned home, unaware the car was gone by 10.40pm that night.
Rapid Police Action Ends Getaway
Officers traced the Mercedes blazing across the Dartford Crossing into Essex. Within an hour of the theft report, two men were arrested and the car was back in safe hands.
Charges Filed, Court Date Set
- Abu Siddique, 37, of Bedford
- Mirza Sadiq, 44, of St. Albans
Both were charged with vehicle theft and driving without insurance. They faced Medway Magistrates’ Court on 4 March and were granted conditional bail. They are due back at Woolwich Crown Court on 30 March.
Kent police urge sellers to stay sharp and verify buyers carefully to avoid falling victim to this key-swap trick.
