Car Thieves Jailed After Kent Crime Spree

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Two men who stole multiple cars across Kent have been jailed for almost three years.

Mason James, 25, and Malcolm Royden, 55, admitted to stealing four high value vehicles from driveways and attempting to take a further three between December 2024 and January 2025. The pair, wearing dark clothes and balaclavas, targeted homes overnight at locations including Maidstone, Medway, Ashford and locally here in Swale.

Investigators had identified a Kia Sportage connected to the incidents and when residents in east Kent reported two men had attempted to steal their cars in the early hours of 24 January, patrols were immediately deployed to track down the offenders.

Officers swiftly located the Kia nearby and intercepted the occupants when they stopped at a petrol station near Lenham.

James and Royden, along with a third offender, Fred Wreden, were arrested. Clothing that matched that worn by offenders on CCTV footage and tools used during the thefts were also recovered.

All three men were later charged with conspiracy to steal vehicles. Royden, of Windmill Road, Gillingham; James, of Tyne Gardens in Aveley, Essex; and Wreden, of Staplehurst Road, Sittingbourne, pleaded guilty during subsequent hearings at Maidstone Crown Court.

On Wednesday (21st January), James and Royden were each jailed for two years and nine months. Wreden, 20, was given a sentence of one year and 10 months, suspended for two years.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Harry Groves, told SFM News: "These men showed a wanton disregard for their victims’ property in what were blatant, well organised thefts. They were however overconfident, and our diligent investigators and swiftly-deployed patrols ensured they were ultimately tracked down. Residents’ CCTV played a significant part in bringing these offenders to justice and I would like to thank all those people who provided footage when we were engaged on our enquiries. Their assistance has ensured a crime gang has been brought to justice and their neighbourhood is now a safer place to live."

For tips and advice to keep your vehicle safe please visit:- https://www.kent.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/pre...