Gang of masked men jailed following robbery in Strood

A gang of masked men have been jailed for 50 years after they were caught less than an hour after fleeing the scene of a robbery in Strood.

At 2.38am on Tuesday 25 November 2025, Kent Police received a call reporting a disturbance at a property in Weston Road, where four men, Tyrone Harris, Khyrie Hylton, Elliott Bonney and Sion Williams, were seen carrying cannabis plants to a waiting car and van before leaving the scene.

Patrols attended the area and, within minutes, identified a suspicious grey BMW travelling along Watling Street in Rochester. Officers also became suspicious of a van that appeared to be driving in convoy.

After 12 miles, the vehicles split up, with officers following the BMW towards Bexley via the A2. The car was boxed in by attending patrols shortly after passing through the Blackwall Tunnel. Harris, Bonney and Williams were arrested at the scene.

Other officers followed the van as it continued into London, also travelling through the Blackwall Tunnel. Officers were able to stop the van at a red light, but Hylton attempted to flee on foot before being detained.

All four men were arrested by 3.24am.

A search of the vehicles found several cannabis plants.

Victim

Meanwhile, officers attending the property discovered the victim, who had been assaulted. He told officers the men had broken into his home while he was asleep, threatened him with a knife and then attacked him, leaving him seriously injured. He was treated at a London hospital for facial injuries and a fractured wrist.

The men ransacked the house in search of what they believed to be cannabis plants before loading them into the van and leaving the scene. Officers also found a trail of cannabis plants and soil along Weston Road.

During the investigation, officers seized mobile phones belonging to the suspects and uncovered messages showing them planning the robbery, with Harris stating that he needed "as many soldiers as possible".

CCTV footage also captured both vehicles travelling to the property and spending several minutes transporting bags and large plants between the address and the vehicles.

Officers also seized clothing belonging to the men, with the victim's blood later found on some of the items.

Charged

All four were subsequently charged with robbery. Following a trial, they were found guilty and, at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 30 October 2026, were sentenced as follows:

• Khyrie Hylton, 35, of no fixed address, was jailed for 12 years.
• Tyrone Harris, 36, of Lansdowne Drive, London, was jailed for 14 years.
• Elliott Bonney, 35, of Albion Drive, London, was jailed for 11 years.
• Sion Williams, 38, of no fixed address, was jailed for 13 years.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Emma Laimbeer said: ‘This was a meticulously planned robbery in which a group of men targeted a vulnerable victim in his own home and subjected him to a frightening and violent ordeal.  ‘Thanks to the immediate response of patrol officers, all four offenders were caught red handed with the spoils of the robbery. ‘The investigation involved meticulously examining CCTV footage, mobile phone data, forensic evidence and witness accounts to build an overwhelming case against those responsible. ‘The sentences handed down reflect the seriousness of their actions and demonstrate that those who commit violent offences in Kent can expect to be identified, arrested and brought before the courts.’