Tonbridge suspect charged over multiple shopliftings and thefts from vehicles

More than 14 charges have been secured against a suspect linked to a series of shop thefts across west Kent.

The man is alleged to have targeted six stores between January and March 2024, in areas including Harrietsham, Leybourne, Snodland, Tonbridge, and West Malling.

Items reported stolen include alcohol, meat, energy drinks, dog food, and clothing, and had a combined value of more than £3,300.

An investigation by West Division Victim Based Crime Team has also linked the same suspect to the theft of a bike from a residential property near Oxley Shaw Lane, West Malling, as well as a series of thefts from motor vehicles around Roughetts Lane and Hawley Drive.

Charged

Tyler McElveen, of Pullen Avenue, Tonbridge, was arrested on 15 March.

He was charged with five counts of theft, two counts of burglary, three counts of theft from a motor vehicle, two counts of interfering with a vehicle, theft of a pedal cycle, and attempted burglary.

The 19-year-old has also recently been charged with two counts of assault, violence to secure entry, threats to kill, and harassment.

The suspect appeared at a hearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 16 March and has since been remanded.

He is due to appear before Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 12 April.