A man has been charged following a series of Ford Fiesta thefts across Kent. Police investigated car thefts in Gravesend, Tonbridge, and Tunbridge Wells between July and November 2024, linking them to a crime ring.
On Friday, November 15, officers stopped a Ford Fiesta in Goudhurst and arrested three suspects on suspicion of theft. A search of a nearby industrial unit uncovered a stash of vehicle parts, which have now been seized as part of ongoing investigations.
Harley Webb, 35, from Sherwood Road, Tunbridge Wells, is charged with conspiring to steal at least seven Ford Fiestas and a Mercedes. He appeared at Margate Magistrates’ Court on November 18 and was remanded in custody. Webb is scheduled to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on December 16. The two other suspects arrested have been bailed pending further inquiries.
Kent Police have issued a warning to all motorists, especially Ford Fiesta owners, to increase car security amid the theft spree. Recommended measures include:
- Parking securely in garages, secure car parks, or well-lit areas monitored by CCTV.
- Using physical locks such as steering wheel or handbrake locks to deter thieves.
- Securing key fobs by switching them off overnight and storing them away from doors or windows; foil-lined key bags can block signals used by thieves to unlock cars.
- Marking vehicles by etching registration numbers on windows or using invisible ink on the frame.
A Kent Police spokesperson said, “We encourage all vehicle owners to take these precautions to make it harder for thieves to target their cars. Our officers remain committed to disrupting organised theft operations and bringing offenders to justice.”
The investigation into this car theft ring is ongoing.
Originally published by UKNIP.
