Suspected robber charged after cars stolen on Dartford Heath and Rochester Way
14:22, 18 September 2024
Police investigating a series of suspected car thefts by masked men have charged a suspect.
A motorist reported being attacked after stopping briefly at Dartford Heath earlier this month.
It is alleged a group of men wearing face masks smashed his car window and assaulted him, before stealing his vehicle during the evening September 4.
Police were then contacted after a second victim reported being assaulted by men wearing face coverings, with his car being stolen at Rochester Way on September 8.
Detectives investigating the incidents say they arrested a suspect on Friday (September 13).
They also seized a suspected stolen vehicle and a car key.
Thomas Ripley, of Star Lane, Orpington was later charged on suspicion of two robberies.
He was also charged with an attempted burglary at a property in Colt Stead, New Ash Green, on August 21.
The 28-year-old appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on the following day.
He was remanded to a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on October 11.
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