Police responded swiftly after a burglary alarm sounded at a shop in Upchurch. The alarm was triggered at 12.57am on Sunday, March 8, 2026, prompting officers to act following a tip-off from a vigilant witness about the break-in on The Street.
The suspects attempted to flee the scene in a Range Rover, but their escape was cut short when the vehicle collided with a wall and several parked cars. Officers arrived at 1.11am and used incapacitant spray to subdue the three men.
Inside the Range Rover, police discovered cigarettes, alcohol, and cash, believed to be stolen during the burglary.
Serious charges have been filed against the suspects. Lee Phillips, 48, of Camp Way, Maidstone, faces six charges including burglary and driving offences. Steven Snell, 41, from Mercer Close, Aylesford, is charged with two burglaries and handling stolen goods. Harrison Phillips, 23, of St Welcumes Way, Harrietsham, has been charged with burglary, handling stolen items, and assault on an emergency worker.
The three men appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on March 9. Lee Phillips and Steven Snell were remanded in custody, while Harrison Phillips was granted conditional bail. Their next court hearing is scheduled for April 7 at Woolwich Crown Court.
Originally published by UKNIP.
