Burglar Nabbed After Dual Maidstone Break-Ins and Fuel Scam
A suspected thief has been hit with charges following two brazen break-ins in the Maidstone area. Kent Police launched an investigation after a Mercedes ML 250 was stolen on 27 April 2019 from a Batten Walk home – the crook used keys taken from inside the property to swipe the luxury car.
Stolen Cars, Fuel Heist at Cranbrook
Just days later, on 1 May, the allegedly stolen Mercedes drove into a Cranbrook petrol station. The driver pumped fuel but bolted without coughing up for it. Meanwhile, another break-in on 28 April saw a VW Golf nicked from a Charlton Lane address in West Farleigh, again using keys snatched from inside.
That same day, a passenger in the stolen VW pulled the same fuel trick at a Cranbrook petrol station, leaving without paying.
Suspect Caught and Charged
On 1 May, 30-year-old Leon Holder was arrested in Swanley. The Fairview, Hawkhurst man is now facing charges including:
- Two burglaries
- Two counts of making off without payment
- Driving without a licence
- Driving without insurance
- Possession of Class B drugs
Holder was remanded in custody and will appear via video link before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday 3 May.
