A man from Lingfield who was involved in a number of thefts of motor vehicles, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison

James Cross, 19, of Selbys in Lingfield, was arrested on 25 January after officers from Surrey, Kent and Sussex police, executed a joint warrant at his address for a string of car thefts across the three counties.

After appearing at Guildford Crown Court on Tuesday, 8 March, Cross pleaded guilty to stealing four motor vehicles and also to handling a stolen vehicle. The stolen vehicles included a quad bike, an Audi, Ford Transit and Range Rover. All but the quad bike were successfully recovered.

Investigating Officer PC Newman said: “This is a great example of a successful joint operation between Surrey, Sussex and Kent. Through cross-border working we are able to target and combat those offenders who cause harm and distress to the local community.

“Information from members of the public is crucial in helping us identify and pursue offenders, and we will act robustly on this to bring as many as we can to justice.”