Two suspected robbers have been charged in connection with a series of violent car thefts near Dartford, during which victims were assaulted and had their vehicles stolen.
On the evening of Wednesday, September 4, 2024, a motorist briefly stopped at Dartford Heath when a group of men wearing face masks allegedly smashed his car window and assaulted him before stealing his vehicle.
Kent Police was also contacted after a second incident on Sunday, September 8, in which another motorist was reportedly assaulted by men in face coverings and had his car stolen at Rochester Way. Later, a bank card inside the stolen vehicle was allegedly used for a fraudulent purchase at a shop in Orpington.
Detectives investigating the incidents arrested two suspects on Thursday, October 3. Lewis Turner, 32, of Longbury Drive, Orpington, was subsequently charged with robbery and fraud, while Billy Scamp, 18, of Eridge Green Close, Orpington, was charged with two counts of robbery. Both men were remanded in custody and appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday, October 4.
A third suspect, Thomas Ripley, 28, of Star Lane, Orpington, had previously been arrested in connection with the incidents. He has been charged with two robberies and an attempted burglary and remains in custody, awaiting a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, October 11.
Police continue investigating the incidents and have urged anyone with information to come forward.
