Two Men Jailed Over £100,000 Spree of Vehicle and Machinery Thefts in West Kent
Two criminals have been locked up after Kent Police uncovered stolen goods photos on their phones, linking them to a wave of thefts across West Kent and Sittingbourne.
Daring Theft Spree Across Multiple Towns
Darren Mills and William Adams worked together to nick vehicles, trailers, and plant machinery between December 2019 and February 2020. Their haul included three vans, two Land Rovers, a trailer, a climbing wall, and a high-pressure jet washer. They struck in Sittingbourne, Maidstone, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, and Paddock Wood.
Adams also struck solo, stealing a Land Rover, a caravan, and a trailer in places like Paddock Wood, Kemsley, Marden, Sittingbourne and even Burwash in Sussex. Meanwhile, Mills swiped another van from Sittingbourne alone.
Criminal Duo Used Fake Plates and Phones to Plan Heists
- The pair plotted their crimes via mobile phones.
- They used cars with false number plates to avoid detection.
- In some cases, they brazenly towed stolen trailers right under owners’ noses.
- After each theft, they discussed selling the stolen loot by texting photos to potential buyers.
Police swooped in February, arresting Mills from Sittingbourne on the 18th, and Adams, who had no fixed address, two days later. Investigators seized their phones and uncovered damning evidence: incriminating text chats and stolen item photos.
Judge Slams ‘Business-Like’ Crime Operation
Both men admitted conspiracy to steal. On 14 September at Maidstone Crown Court, Mills, 31, was jailed for four years and one month. Adams, 21, received three years and nine months behind bars.
“These two criminals brazenly committed their crimes when owners were distracted or drivers were delivering,” said Detective Chief Inspector Lopa McDermott.
“They ran their offending as a business, chatting about what to steal and advertising stolen goods by sending pictures to buyers. Their arrogance was their downfall when we found incriminating texts and images on their phones.”
“The impact on victims was huge, with some businesses forced to close due to financial loss. It’s only right Mills and Adams are now behind bars.”
