Tool Thieves Busted in Whitstable After Two-Days Crime Spree
Kent Police detectives have made arrests and recovered stolen tools after a string of thefts rocked Whitstable over one weekend.
Van and Power Tools Stolen in Separate Raids
On Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 January 2023, criminals struck twice in the seaside town. First, a van packed with tools vanished from Cromwell Road. Then, power tools were snatched from a home in Cornwallis Circle.
Police Recover Stolen Gear and Make Arrests
After a swift investigation by the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad, cops reclaimed the stolen kit on Tuesday 17 January. The vehicle itself turned up a week later, on 24 January.
Police Warn Residents: Protect Your Tools From Thieves
“If you use a van, empty it at the end of the day where possible,” urged Detective Constable James Coomber. “Lock your tools safely away, keep an inventory including serial numbers, and snap photos of valuables.”
“Mark tools with clear ID—initials and postcodes—to make them harder to fence and easier for us to return,” he added. “Park near CCTV and security lights to deter scammers, and be wary of buying suspicious used tools bearing ID marks.”
“Report anything dodgy to Kent Police—use the website or dial 999 if a crime’s happening now.”
Whitstable locals are being urged to stay vigilant as police continue their crackdown on tool thieves targeting the area.
