Van-Thief Busted in 20 Minutes After Tracking Device Leads Cops Straight to Him
Thief Snapped Up Fast After Brazen Robbery
Kent Police wasted no time after Ronnie Mead, 33, snatched a delivery van and made off with half-opened parcels. Officers tracked the van’s GPS and nabbed Mead just 20 minutes later. He was caught red-handed, surrounded by the stolen packages.
Robbery, Stolen Van & Cannabis: Mead’s Guilty Plea
The Hunton Gardens man pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court on June 14, 2022, to robbery, taking a motor vehicle without consent, and cannabis possession. Initially, Mead claimed he stumbled upon the parcels after his arrest on April 14, but he was caught out when found with the driver’s wallet, linking him directly to the crime.
Bold Heist in Broad Daylight
The victim was out delivering on Chaucer Road just before 1pm when Mead approached aggressively, grabbing him and shouting. Without hesitation, Mead swiped the keys, jumped into the van, and drove off despite the driver’s desperate attempts to stop him.
Chief Inspector Calls Out ‘Opportunistic’ Criminal
Ronnie Mead is an opportunistic criminal who thinks nothing of taking things that do not belong to him,” said Chief Inspector Mark Hedges, District Commander for Canterbury.
“Thankfully, he had no idea the van was fitted with a tracker, which led us right to him. Although he protested at first, when we found him just yards from the stolen van and packages, it was game over. Now, Mead faces significant jail time.”
