A string of alleged thefts targeting Vodafone stores in Sevenoaks and Tonbridge has resulted in charges for three individuals, Kent Police have confirmed. The incidents, which occurred over two days, involved attempts to access staff-only areas and a significant phone and tablet theft.
The first incident took place in Sevenoaks High Street on Friday, March 14, 2025, when police responded to reports of an attempted burglary at the local Vodafone store at approximately 5:10 PM. According to police reports, two men entered the premises and attempted to gain access to the restricted staff area at the rear of the shop. However, they were unsuccessful and fled the scene before officers arrived.
The following day, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 9:10 AM, a more substantial theft occurred at the Vodafone store in Tonbridge High Street. Emergency services were alerted to reports of three men entering the store and stealing 60 mobile phones and two tablet devices. Police noted that the descriptions of two of the suspects matched those from the previous day’s attempted burglary in Sevenoaks.
Responding swiftly, officers arrived at the Tonbridge store within minutes and apprehended four individuals.
Following investigations, a 24-year-old man from Blackheath, London, and a man aged 20, of no fixed address, have been charged with robbery. The younger man faces an additional charge of attempted burglary related to the Sevenoaks incident.
The 24-year-old appeared at Thanet Magistrates’ Court on March 17, where he pleaded guilty and was remanded in custody. Both men are scheduled to appear at Maidstone Crown Court for a further hearing on April 14.
A 14-year-old teenager, who cannot be named due to legal restrictions, has also been charged with robbery and attempted burglary. He is set to appear before Medway Youth Court on April 10. A fourth man, who was initially arrested, has since been released without charge. Kent Police continue to investigate the incidents.