Van Fraudster Busted After Rip-Off Spree
Bradley Dobson, 49, went on a crooked crime spree posing as a buyer before making off with a van and quadbike in Kent.
£5,000 Van Sale Turns Sour
On 4 July 2023, Dobson convinced a man in Gillingham he’d bought a white Ford Transit for £5,000 – claiming he’d already sent the cash. The seller believed him and handed over the van keys.
Dobson then drove to Queenborough, where he spotted a man with a quadbike. He offered to sell the van for £500 and helped load the quadbike inside.
Van and Quadbike Stolen, Sold for Peanuts
Feigning he’d left something in the van, Dobson got the keys back – but instead of returning, he drove off with both vehicles. On 15 July, he sold them to a breakers yard for just £500.
Fencing Scam in Teynham
Dobson’s dirt didn’t stop there. On 11 July, he sweet-talked a couple in Teynham, claiming he could fix their fencing. He asked for £160 to buy supplies but never turned up – or sent anyone.
Arrest and Jail for Serial Swindler
The victims reported Dobson to police, all noting a distinctive woman’s “1” tattoo on his hand. Officers got wind of Dobson’s scams and arrested him on 27 July.
He was charged with three counts of fraud, theft of a motor vehicle, and theft from a person. Dobson pleaded guilty.
On 20 September at Canterbury Crown Court, he was slammed with a jail term of three years and four months.
PC Alice Crofts said: “Dobson carried out this criminality in order to financially profit. He didn’t have any regard for his victims and committed numerous offences over several days. His sentence is wholly deserved and I hope it serves as a deterrent to others who may think this kind of behaviour is acceptable.”
