Prolific thief who targeted parked cars in Maidstone jailed

A prolific thief who targeted cars parked in several roads of Maidstone has been jailed.

Liam Wells was responsible for a spate of thefts in areas including Weavering, Downswood and Bearsted.

Wells was caught during the early hours of 27 February 2024, after plain clothes officers had been on the lookout for a suspect using a bicycle to carry out multiple offences.

He was arrested when patrols in Ashford Road spotted a man in dark clothing cycling on a pavement.

Wells tried to cycle away but was pursued and detained in Marsham Street. Almost £60 in cash was seized, much of it in change and believed to have been stolen from vehicles.

An investigation by the Maidstone Victim Based Crime Team, led to Wells being charged with seven counts of interfering with a motor vehicle and two counts of theft from a motor vehicle.

Wells, 30, of no fixed address, appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 1 March and pleaded guilty. He was immediately sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay £1,700 in compensation to his victims.

Targeting repeat offenders

Maidstone Chief Inspector Mark McLellan said: ‘Criminals like Wells prey upon hard-working and law-abiding residents, with the aim of stealing anything they can get their hands on. 'I do hope the proactive work carried out by our officers provides reassurance to people living in Maidstone that we remain committed to protecting businesses and neighbourhoods from a small minority of people whose actions can cause a disproportionately large volume of crime. ‘The support we receive from the local community in helping us detect and deter offenders like Wells is also crucial, so please remember to always report anything suspicious. This really assists in targeting criminals, hot spots of crime and bringing offenders to justice.’