A suspected thief accused of targeting seven fuel stations across north and west Kent has been charged with 15 offences and remanded in custody. The incidents, which took place between 24 July and 3 October 2024, involved fuel thefts from garages in Aylesford, Ditton, Maidstone, Sheerness, Staplehurst, and Tonbridge.

Kent Police’s proactive patrols spotted a vehicle believed to be linked to the thefts on Old Tovil Road in Maidstone on Friday, 4 October. After a short pursuit, the suspect abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Officers detained him on Church Road and took him into custody. During the arrest, two knives and two petrol cans were seized.

James Dunn, 46, of Quarry Road, Maidstone, was subsequently charged with several offences, including theft, possession of a bladed article, going equipped to steal, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance.

Dunn appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on 7 October but refused to respond to the charges. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled for a further hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday, 4 November.