Two suspects linked to car thefts across west Kent have been arrested by police patrols near Bluewater and in Sevenoaks. The arrests came in connection with separate incidents, including the theft of a high-value Bentley Bentayga.
The Bentley SUV was reported stolen at around 2:30 am on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from an address near Snodland. Within just 30 minutes, the vehicle was tracked by patrols to the A2, and officers pursued it with blue lights until it was brought to a stop on Darenth Wood Road.
A search of the Bentley led to the discovery of suspected signal-jamming devices. A 54-year-old man from east London was subsequently arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and going equipped for theft. He has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.
In a separate incident on Tuesday night, proactive police patrols in Sevenoaks arrested a man following suspicious activity involving a Ford Transit van. Officers instructed the van to stop on Lea Road, and upon searching the vehicle, they found a suspected door-opening device, several vehicle keys, car ignition parts, more than £400 in cash, and a slingshot.
The driver, aged 34 and from Sevenoaks, was taken into custody on suspicion of going equipped to steal and for drug-driving offences. He was also released on bail while further investigations take place.
Advice for Vehicle Owners:
- Keep Keys Out of Reach: Store keys and ignition fobs out of sight and ensure they are not left inside unattended vehicles.
- Prevent Easy Access: When at home, keep keys well away from doors or windows to prevent criminals from reaching through the letterbox to steal them.
- Use Signal Blockers: Store keyless fobs in a security pouch (Faraday bag) to prevent the signal from being intercepted by electronic devices.
- Disable Key Fobs: Some key fobs can be switched to a disabled state—check your vehicle manual or ask your dealer for advice.
- Install a Tracker: Consider installing a tracking device on your vehicle.
- Install CCTV or Doorbell Cameras: Cameras covering the area where your car is usually parked can provide additional security.
The Kent Police remind vehicle owners to take these precautions to prevent theft and safeguard their property.
