A suspected robber has been charged in connection with a series of assaults and vehicle thefts near Dartford. The incidents took place earlier this month, during which victims were attacked and their cars stolen by men wearing face masks.
The first incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, 4 September 2024, when a motorist briefly stopped at Dartford Heath. It is alleged that a group of men smashed his car window, assaulted him, and stole his vehicle. Days later, on Sunday, 8 September, a second victim was reportedly assaulted by masked men at Rochester Way, resulting in the theft of his car.
Following an investigation, Kent Police arrested Thomas Ripley, 28, of Star Lane, Orpington, on Friday, 13 September. During the arrest, a stolen vehicle and a car key were also recovered. Ripley has since been charged with two counts of robbery, as well as an attempted burglary at a property in Colt Stead, New Ash Green, on 21 August.
Ripley appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court the day after his arrest and was remanded into custody. His next hearing is scheduled at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, 11 October.
Detectives continue to investigate the incidents, and anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Kent Police.
