Teen locked up for nearly four years after brazen Kent burglary spree
Burglars targeted homes across West Kent
A 19-year-old teen, Freddie Stephens, has been handed a hefty prison sentence for a string of daring burglaries and thefts in Swanley, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, and beyond. From May to September 2017, Stephens stole high-value cars, jewellery, and electrical goods during a crime rampage across west Kent, hitting homes in Borough Green, Aylesford, and Biggin Hill.
Accomplices caught and jailed
Stephens’ partners-in-crime, Brett Smith and Wayne Pickett, were also arrested and locked up after admitting their roles in the raids. Kent Police linked the trio to at least 20 break-ins, with Stephens sometimes acting solo.
Police trap culprits in daring sting
All three were nabbed on 28 September 2017 when officers found a stolen Audi parked in Seal. Waiting nearby, they caught the gang red-handed as they returned in a Land Rover shortly before 2pm. Stephens tried to make a run for it but was tackled to the ground.
Damning evidence sealed their fate
- The Land Rover held cloned number plates for stolen cars.
- Police found a stolen Fiat key and burglary tools inside.
- Stephens’ DNA was found on a motorbike helmet from a Swanley crime scene.
- Smith and Pickett were linked to a stolen Seat Leon by DNA and fingerprints.
- Video footage showed a Biggin Hill homeowner thwarting Stephens’ break-in attempt.
Judge delivers tough sentences
At Maidstone Crown Court on 30 April 2018, Stephens pleaded guilty to multiple offences including six burglaries, thefts, vehicle theft, and drug possession. He was sentenced to three years and nine months behind bars.
Pickett, 24, admitted burglary and possession of criminal property, receiving an 18-month sentence. Smith, 19, pleaded guilty to burglary and two counts of possessing criminal property and was also jailed for 18 months.
Detective Constable Raj Dusanjh said: “These men targeted homes often in isolated areas, stealing possessions and valuables worth thousands of pounds. Whilst we have thankfully returned many items to their rightful owners, their crimes have caused huge distress to victims. We are working hard to ensure justice doesn’t end with these prison sentences.”
“We will now look to use The Proceeds of Crime Act to claw back any benefits these criminals gained from their activities.”
