Organised gangs and opportunists are the focus of a renewed effort to tackle vehicle crime across Dartford and Gravesham, police confirm.
A targeted operation last month saw officers from the county force make a total of 14 arrests, retrieve eight stolen vehicles, and seize an additional six vehicles being driven with cloned number plates. The crackdown follows positive figures for the year ending October 2025, which saw vehicle thefts drop by 19% in Gravesham and 13% in Dartford compared to the preceding 12 months. Authorities have stated their intent to continue this downward trend through further robust enforcement.
The recent activity included an incident on Sunday, November 9, where a pursuit resulted in the arrest of three men and two women in Chatham. The individuals were detained after a vehicle, which had been reported stolen from a property in Swanscombe the day before, was recovered. All five have since been released on bail as enquiries continue.
Later, on Friday, November 21, officers on patrol in a Dartford road identified a flatbed truck loaded with several vehicles. The truck was suspected to be using false number plates and was linked to a number of thefts. Two men were arrested at the scene. They have both subsequently been charged with conspiring to steal nine cars, including luxury and high-value makes. Both appeared in a magistrates’ court and were bailed to attend the Crown Court next month.
A police spokesperson acknowledged the year-on-year reductions were “pleasing” but noted that the areas’ proximity to London means they “still suffer from higher rates of vehicle crime than most other parts of Kent.” The spokesperson stressed that complacency is not an option and confirmed the force will continue to “prevent and investigate offences” and work to bring those responsible to justice. They emphasised that offenders range from organised criminal groups targeting high-value cars to opportunistic thieves looking for easy targets. The police urged the public to assist in the effort by maintaining high levels of vehicle security.