Five arrested in east Kent fuel theft investigation

Five people have been arrested and suspected stolen fuel seized after police stopped two vehicles in Deal and Sandwich.

A suspicious car was reported to have left Thanet at around 1am on Tuesday 5 March 2024. Officers tracked it to Deal, where it was thought to be travelling in convoy with a van that was also of interest to police.

Seized

The van was made to stop by patrols in Mongeham Road, Great Mongeham and two men, aged 43 and 36, were detained following a search of the vehicle.

Officers recovered an assortment of fuel-filled containers from the van, along with tools and torches that the men were carrying.

Arrests made

Both men were arrested on suspicion of burglary and going equipped to steal. The 43-year-old was further arrested on suspicion of possession of a class A drug, after being found with a white powder.

The car was later stopped by patrols near Discovery Park in Sandwich and, following a search of the vehicle, officers recovered two bags of tools, drills and a trolley jack.

Two men, aged 55 and 32, were arrested on suspicion of theft and going equipped to steal, while a 42-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of theft.

All five remain in custody while the investigation continues.