Two Thieves Busted with Stolen Goods Photos on Phones
Kent Police have jailed two men after finding photos of stolen property on their mobiles, cracking a string of thefts across west Kent and Sittingbourne.
Targets Included Vans, Land Rovers and Trailers
Darren Mills and William Adams schemed to steal vehicles, trailers, and heavy machinery between December 2019 and February 2020. Together, they made off with three vans, two Land Rovers, a trailer, a climbing wall, and a high-pressure jet washer. They even attempted to nab another trailer.
The thefts spanned Sittingbourne, Maidstone, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, and Paddock Wood.
Solo and Joint Raids Across Kent and Sussex
- Between 3 and 11 February, Adams also stole a Land Rover, a caravan, and a trailer, and tried to swipe two more Land Rovers and a digger on a trailer across Paddock Wood, Kemsley, Marden, Sittingbourne, and Burwash in Sussex.
- Mills struck solo in December, stealing a van from Sittingbourne.
The pair used false number plates and coordinated thefts by phone. They’d tow away trailers while owners were distracted, often discussing sales via text—and even sent photos of stolen goods to buyers.
Sentenced After Phones Exposed Their Crimes
Mills, 31, from Rectory Road, Sittingbourne, was arrested on 18 February. Adams, 21 and homeless, was caught two days later. Police seized their phones, uncovering damning messages and images proving they stole property worth around £100,000.
The duo pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court. Mills got four years and one month, Adams received three years and nine months.
Detective Chief Inspector Lopa McDermott said: “These criminals ran their theft spree like a business, showing complete arrogance. Their mobiles gave them away.”
“Victims suffered huge losses, with some businesses forced to shut. It’s right these men are behind bars.”
