Three people have been charged following back-to-back incidents at Vodafone phone stores in Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, where thieves allegedly attempted to break in and made off with dozens of phones and tablets.
The first incident took place just after 5.10pm on Friday, 14 March, when Kent Police received reports of an attempted burglary at the Vodafone store on Sevenoaks High Street. Two men reportedly entered the shop and tried to access a staff-only area at the back of the store but fled before police arrived.
Less than 24 hours later, on the morning of Saturday, 15 March, a second emergency call was made after three men entered the Vodafone branch on Tonbridge High Street at around 9.10am and allegedly stole 60 mobile phones and two tablets.
Police responded within minutes and arrested four individuals near the scene.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Sam Jarra, 24, of Scarsbrook Road, Blackheath, and Tyrone Curland, 20, of no fixed address, have both been charged with robbery, while Curland faces an additional charge of attempted burglary linked to the Sevenoaks incident.
Mr Jarra pleaded guilty at Thanet Magistrates’ Court on 17 March and has been remanded in custody. Both men are scheduled to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on 14 April.
A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named due to his age, has also been charged with robbery and attempted burglary. He is due to appear at Medway Youth Court on 10 April.
A fourth man arrested at the scene has since been released without charge.
Police Statement
A spokesperson for Kent Police praised the quick actions of officers in responding to the robbery in Tonbridge, stating:
"Swift attendance by officers enabled the arrest of four suspects within minutes of the incident being reported. Investigations remain ongoing."
The stolen items are believed to be high-value smartphones and tablets, and efforts are underway to recover them.
Anyone with information related to these incidents is urged to contact Kent Police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
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