Kent Police have bailed three boys aged 15, 16 and 17 following reports that a car was stolen and cash taken from another vehicle in Updown Way, Chartham, near Canterbury, in the early hours of 8 July 2026.
Officers were called at 6.45am on Wednesday 8 July 2026 after keys were reported to have been taken from a property overnight and a car was reported stolen from Updown Way. Further reports from the same street described vehicles being rummaged through and cash stolen. Kent Police reviewed CCTV and spoke with witnesses — and the following day, three boys aged 15, 16 and 17 were arrested in connection with the reports.
All three have since been bailed with conditions while enquiries continue.
Police Sergeant Georgia England said this sort of crime is mostly opportunistic. Lock your doors. Close the windows and sunroof — yes, even on a warm night. Remove all valuables before you leave the car, and don’t leave anything on display. She also flagged something easily overlooked: suction marks left on windscreens or dashboards by electronic devices are enough to suggest to a passing thief that a device might be stashed inside, and those marks should be wiped off. Where possible, park in a garage or a well-lit, secure car park.
Kent Police are appealing for anyone with relevant information, doorbell footage or CCTV from the area to get in touch.
Key information
- Contact Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/110781/26
- Report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via its online form
- Further vehicle crime prevention advice is available on the Kent Police website