Kent Police have launched a significant crackdown on fraudsters, resulting in 41 arrests and the charging of three suspects. Their swift action has prevented at least £50,000 in scam payouts across the county.
Throughout February, officers focused on dismantling criminal networks involved in various scams such as romance fraud, bogus roof repairs, and postal cons. These efforts have helped protect vulnerable victims and made Kent safer.
Key outcomes from the operation include:
- £3,000 saved from romance fraud victims due to police intervention.
- Four parcel delivery scams uncovered, with £7,500 worth of goods returned to victims.
- Over £10,000 seized during arrests and raids.
- £270,000 recovered for victims who lost money through bank transfers.
- Confiscation of 15 rogue trader vehicles and a pressure washer.
On 2 February, police acted after an elderly woman lost £30,000 to aggressive rogue traders. Two men from Sittingbourne and Maidstone were arrested, and their van containing roofing flyers was seized. Both suspects are currently on bail as investigations continue.
Just two days later in Ashford, officers prevented a man in his 70s from withdrawing excessive cash. This led to the arrest of two men from Dartford, aged 38 and 25, on suspicion of fraud.
Further action took place on 25 February when a Dartford man was arrested for attempting to defraud a Sevenoaks resident with fake driveway cleaning charges.
Earlier in the month, three men – Jesse Harber, Dillon Lemon, and Thomas Harber – were charged with fraud after manipulating roof tiles in Maidstone to deceive a homeowner into paying for unnecessary repairs. They appeared at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court and are scheduled for a hearing at Woolwich Crown Court on 6 March.
Detective Inspector Ian Sanderson commented: “Fraudsters target the most vulnerable in our communities, stealing hard-earned savings. They believe it’s ‘easy’ crime, but this operation shows fraud won’t be tolerated in Kent. Offenders will be caught and face justice.”
The crackdown was supported by Operation Henhouse, an initiative of the National Economic Crime Centre in partnership with City of London Police. This nationwide effort supports the Stop! Think Fraud campaign aimed at keeping criminals off the streets.
Originally published by UKNIP.
