Three people have been arrested in connection with the theft of jewellery in Wrotham with an estimated retail value of more than two million pounds.
The suspects are being linked to a criminal gang believed to be targeting travelling salespersons who trade jewellery with stores across the country.
The theft is reported to have happened on Thursday 18th January 2024, after the victim parked his car at the petrol garage in London Road, Wrotham. It is alleged a bag containing high value jewellery was stolen from the vehicle.
An investigation is being led by West Kent CID, and on Sunday 11th February a man and woman were arrested in Lancashire following a report of suspicious behaviour involving another potential victim near Bolton. Both were then transferred into Kent Police custody.
Edgar Ardila Ruiz, 36, and Monica Diaz, 43, both of no fixed address, were each charged with conspiracy to steal, and theft from a motor vehicle. They appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 14th February and were remanded in custody.
Their next hearing is at Maidstone Crown Court on 11th March. A man aged 62, who is a third suspect, was arrested on Saturday 17th February. He has been bailed with conditions, pending further enquires, to return to a police station on 17th May 2024.