Swift arrests after Sheppey copper cable thefts

Two suspected thieves were arrested and a van full of copper cable seized thanks to swift work by officers.

On Saturday 1 August 2026, Kent Police was called to report that entry had been forced into an industrial unit in Queenborough. Copper cabling from a container had been removed and loaded into a van before driving away.

Enquiries immediately identified the van and it was found to have left the Isle of Sheppey heading towards Gravesend.

Local officers were notified and attended the scene where the van was stopped in Gravesend Road, Higham.

The cabling was recovered, along with 2 BMW wheels which had also been reported stolen from the area that same afternoon.

A 15 year old boy and a 30 year old man from Gravesend, who are Romanian nationals were arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft offences. The 30 year old was also arrested on suspicion of driving a vehicle with no licence and no insurance.

They have been released on bail while enquiries continue.