Fuel Station Bandit Busted: Suspect Charged Over 7 Kent Garage Thefts
Chased and Caught in Maidstone
A man accused of stealing fuel from seven petrol stations across north and west Kent has been charged with 15 offences and locked up. The string of fuel thefts hit garages in Aylesford, Ditton, Maidstone, Sheerness, Staplehurst, and Tonbridge between 24 July and 3 October 2024.
Kent Police spotted the suspect’s vehicle on Old Tovil Road, Maidstone, on Friday, 4 October. After a brief police chase, the driver ditched the car and tried to run off on foot. Officers quickly caught him on Church Road and took him into custody.
Knives and Petrol Cans Seized
During the arrest, cops found two knives and two petrol cans on the suspect. The man, 46-year-old James Dunn from Quarry Road, Maidstone, now faces charges including theft, possession of bladed weapons, attempted theft, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance.
Remanded Ahead of Crown Court Hearing
Dunn refused to enter a plea when appearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 7 October. He has been remanded in custody and is set for a further hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday, 4 November.
