Dear Residents.

I am pleased to inform you that a suspect has been charged in relation to multiple thefts of Ford Fiesta's within the Tunbridge Wells and Gravesend districts.  On Friday 15 November, police stopped a Ford Fiesta in the Goudhurst area and arrested three people on suspicion of theft offences. A nearby industrial unit was searched and a number of vehicle parts were found and seized as part of ongoing enquiries.

A 35 year old appeared before Margate Magistrates' Court on Monday 18 November and was remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday 16 December.

More information regarding this investigation can be found via the following link:

https://www.kent.police.uk/news/kent/latest/policing-news/suspect-charged-with-ford-fiesta-thefts/

We are warning owners of Ford Fiestas and all vehicles to make sure their cars are as secure as possible.

Motorists should:

- Park in a garage, secure car park or well-lit area covered by CCTV if possible. Consider using a steering wheel or handbrake lock to deter thieves.

- Check if any entry fobs can be turned off overnight and store them away from any household entry points. Make sure you don't leave your car keys visible from the outside of your home.

- Drivers can also store their fobs in special foil-lined bags which can be bought from retailers, to prevent any unwanted communication between the vehicle and its keys.

- Consider having windows etched with the vehicle registration number or use an invisible ink marker pen to mark these details and your postcode on the underside frame of the vehicle.

Further information on keeping your vehicle safe can be found via the following link:

https://www.kent.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/preventing-car-vehicle-theft/

Kind regards,

PC Connor Geelan.

Beat Officer - Capel & Paddock Wood.

Neighbourhood Policing Team - Tunbridge Wells.