Detectives have launched a hunt for five suspects who smashed through a brick wall to raid a business on the Branbridges Industrial Estate in East Peckham.
The targeted break-in occurred during a twelve-minute window between 3:08 am and 3:20 am on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
The gang of five men created a hole through an exterior wall to gain entry before looting more than 100 high-value BT40 spindle tools, used for precision industrial milling and drilling, alongside more than £5,000 worth of brass.
Four of the suspects fled the scene in a dark-coloured Volkswagen, believed to be a Polo or Golf and bearing Irish number plates. The fifth suspect drove off in a white Citroen Dispatch van, which collided with a pole while making its escape, leaving the vehicle with distinct front end and registration plate damage.
Officers are appealing for witnesses, local motorists with dashcam footage, or anyone with information to contact the Kent Police appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/161476/26.