Kent Burglars Locked Up After Crime Spree Across West Kent
A teenage burglar has been slammed behind bars for nearly four years after a string of high-value thefts across West Kent. Freddie Stephens, 19, targeted homes and vehicles from Swanley to Tonbridge between May and September 2017. His haul included luxury cars, jewellery and electrical goods.
Crime Spree Terrorises West Kent
Stephens, along with accomplices Brett Smith and Wayne Pickett, hit properties in Borough Green, Aylesford, Biggin Hill and beyond. Kent Police linked them to at least 20 burglaries. The trio was busted on 28 September 2017 in Seal after officers tracked a stolen Audi.
Stephens made a desperate dash but was tackled and arrested. Inside the getaway Land Rover, police found cloned number plates, a stolen car key, and burglary tools. DNA and fingerprints tied all three to multiple crimes, while CCTV caught Stephens trying to break into a Biggin Hill home — only to be confronted by the owner.
Three Thieves Sentenced
- Freddie Stephens, 19, no fixed address — 3 years 9 months for multiple burglary, theft, and drug offences.
- Wayne Pickett, 24, Seal — 18 months for burglary and possessing stolen goods.
- Brett Smith, 19, Seal — 18 months for burglary and possession of criminal property.
Police Strike Back Against Crime
“These men targeted homes often in isolated areas, stealing possessions worth thousands of pounds,” said Detective Constable Raj Dusanjh. “While we’ve returned many items, the anguish caused to victims is huge. The sentences don’t mark the end — we’ll use the Proceeds of Crime Act to claw back their ill-gotten gains.”
Kent Police continue to hunt for stolen goods and urge anyone with information to come forward.
