Kent’s Rural Crime Task Force Nets Over £80K in Stolen Haul
Kent’s Rural Task Force launched a fierce two-day crackdown in Swale, seizing suspected stolen goods worth over £80,000. The haul included caravans, vehicles, and copper cabling. Police also made a key arrest of a suspected copper thief.
Copper Cable Theft Foiled in Minster
The operation kicked off after a late-night tip-off on 18 September 2025. Officers rushed to an industrial site in Minster following reports of stolen copper cables. A quick search near Newington uncovered copper cables valued at around £7,000. A 27-year-old man was arrested in connection with the theft.
Lee Craddock, head of security at UK Power Networks, warned: “Tampering with electricity equipment is dangerous and disruptive for our communities. We’ve worked closely with Kent Police to track down stolen cables from generators serving Isle of Sheppey residents and an arrest was made.”
Stolen Machinery and Caravans Recovered in Bobbing
The Task Force didn’t stop there. On the same day, they seized a Bobcat excavator stolen back in January 2024. Two caravans were recovered from a Bobbing site — one stolen from Guildford in 2021, the other from Much Wenlock in July 2025. A quad bike and Kubota digger, also believed stolen, were found at the location. Police are investigating three suspects linked to these crimes.
Cracking Down on Rural Crime Across Kent
Sergeant Ross Haybourne praised the operation’s success. Since January 2024, the task force has seized over £3.5 million worth of stolen goods across Kent.
“We’re hunting down stolen plant, farm machinery, caravans and leisure vehicles. Our mission is clear – protect rural businesses and residents from crooks and bring offenders to justice,” he said.
Kent Police urge the public to report any suspicious activity around electricity equipment or rural properties to help keep communities safe.
