Cash Stolen in Ash Distraction Burglary
On 7 September, an elderly man in his 80s fell victim to a distraction burglary at his Ash home. A sum of money was stolen during the break-in, sparking concern in the quiet community.
Gardening Scam Hits Walderslade Woman
That same day in Walderslade, Chatham, a woman was conned out of around £900. She paid for gardening work that never happened, raising alarm about ongoing fraud in the area.
John Smith Charged After Police Probe
Kent Police’s Crime Squad launched an investigation and charged 30-year-old John Smith of Fairview Road, Sittingbourne. On 14 September, he was charged with burglary and fraud linked to both incidents. Smith also faces charges over malicious communications tied to suspicious phone calls received by the Walderslade victim.
Court Appearance and Next Steps
Smith appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court the next day and was remanded in custody. His case is set to continue at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday 16 October, as police crackdown on these scams.
