Early Morning Lead Theft Foiled at East Farleigh Church
Police swooped at 4.20 a.m. on Monday 20 June 2022 after a tip-off about four men loading stolen lead into a vehicle at East Farleigh church.
Chase Ends with Suspects Fleeing on Foot
Patrols spotted a dark green Rover 75 with foreign plates and tailed it to Fullingpits Avenue. The occupants bailed and ran off, vanishing before officers could catch them. The stolen lead and the Rover were seized at the scene.
Local Resident’s Tip and Police Response Save the Day
The vigilance of a local resident and the prompt response by one of our patrols ensured the stolen property was recovered,” said Sergeant Darren Walshaw of Kent Police’s Rural Task Force.
The Rural Task Force regularly warns owners of isolated rural properties to safeguard against metal thieves. Simple steps like marking lead for security, installing alarms and CCTV, and locking gates can make all the difference.
They also recommend locking up ladders, tools, wheelie bins, and wheelbarrows to block thieves’ access to rooftops and prevent stolen metal from being carted away.
Police Appeal for Witnesses and CCTV Footage
- Anyone who saw suspicious activity near East Farleigh church or the abandoned Rover 75 on Fullingpits Avenue is urged to come forward.
- Residents with private CCTV and drivers with dashcams are asked to check their footage.
Contact Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting crime number 46/118998/22 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555111.
Rural Task Force Battling More Than Just Metal Theft
The team works alongside partner agencies tackling burglaries, livestock worrying, and hare-coursing across the region. For crime prevention tips, visit Kent Police Rural Crime Prevention.
