Car Thieves Nabbed After Daring Kent Spree
Kent Police have slammed the cell doors on two crooks after a brazen car theft spree across the county.
Luxury Motors Targeted in Maidstone and Beyond
Mason James, 25, and Malcolm Royden, 55, admitted to nicking four high-end cars and trying to pinch three more between December 2024 and January 2025.
The duo prowled in dark clothes and balaclavas, striking under the cover of night. Their crime spree hit several areas including Maidstone, Medway, Swale, and Ashford.
Quick Police Work Cracks the Case
Detectives honed in on a suspicious Kia Sportage tied to the theft attempts. On 24 January, after locals reported two men attempting to steal vehicles in East Kent, cops scrambled to the scene.
The vehicle was spotted near Lenham, leading to the arrest of James, Royden, and a third man, Fred Wreden, 20, at a nearby petrol station.
Officers recovered burglary tools and clothing matching CCTV images, sealing the men’s fate.
Heavy Sentences Served at Maidstone Crown Court
- Mason James and Malcolm Royden each got two years and nine months behind bars.
- Fred Wreden scooped a suspended sentence – one year and ten months, suspended for two years.
Detective Constable Harry Groves said: “These men showed a blatant disregard for their victims’ property in well-organised thefts. But their overconfidence was their downfall. Thanks to quick police response and crucial CCTV footage from residents, justice was served. Our neighbourhoods are safer now.”
