Tobacco Thieves Nabbed After Raiding Wholesalers in Kent
A gang of crooks has been slammed behind bars for swiping £14,000 worth of tobacco and cash from shopkeepers across Rochester and Gillingham. The sticky-fingered trio struck multiple times between December 2019 and January 2020, targeting hardworking business owners collecting stock from wholesalers.
Nelson Ripley Gets 2 Years and 3 Months
Nelson Ripley, 33, from Maidstone, copped to conspiracy to steal and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to two years and three months this August. His relatives, Archie, 26, and Henry Ripley, 58, both from Sidcup, will face sentencing soon — Archie already admitted guilt, while Henry was found guilty after a trial.
Bold Thefts Across Kent
- December 15, Rochester: Cigarettes and tobacco worth nearly £1,000 stolen from a shop worker’s car.
- December 19, Gillingham: Over £2,000 snatched from a bag while the victim searched their car boot.
- December 23, Chatham: £4,660 in goods nicked from a van after a brief lapse in security.
- January 10, Strood: Thief followed victim home, grabbed £3,000 worth of tobacco and £2,000 in cash from the car.
- January 20, Gillingham: £3,500 worth of tobacco ripped off while victim loaded their van.
Henry and Archie Ripley were caught red-handed and arrested within two hours of the final theft. Police stopped a suspicious Ford Fiesta in Sidcup, linking the brothers to the crimes through mobile phone data.
Detective Sums It Up: ‘Justice Served’
“The offenders conspired to steal a considerable amount of money from honest, law-abiding businesses,” said Detective Constable Dan Bister of Kent Police. “Despite their planning, we pieced together the evidence that tied them to the conspiracy. I’m pleased the victims have seen justice served, and these organised thieves can no longer prey on innocent victims.”
