Patrols have arrested three suspects within hours of a series of street robberies across Snodland and Rochester.
The men were detained following reports several victims had been targeted during a single evening, by offenders brandishing weapons and wearing balaclavas.
The incidents are reported to have happened between 8.50pm and around 10.15pm on Saturday 13 January 2024, when it is alleged seven people were either robbed or were victims of an attempted robbery.
In Snodland, four victims were reportedly targeted as they were walking in areas of Birling Road, Sharnal Lane and Constitution Hill. Further offences in Rochester followed, in Smith Street, Dale Road, Central Parade, and The Tideway.
The victims, aged between 13 and 29, reported being approached by two suspects wearing balaclavas, before demands were made for cash and items including phones. A further suspect was said to have been seen in a vehicle. In one of the incidents, it is alleged a knife was held to the throat of a man in Constitution Hill. Victims reported other weapons were brandished, including a metal pole and hockey stick.
By 11.10pm, fast-track enquires by officers had led to the arrests of two of the suspects. A third man was detained in the hours that followed.
A man aged 21 from Rochester, a man aged 24, from Hoo, and a 33-year-old man from Chatham were all later charged with four counts of robbery, three counts of attempted robbery and with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The 21-year-old was also charged with possessing cannabis.
They appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday 15 January and were remanded in custody. Their next hearing will be at Maidstone Crown Court on 12 February.
An investigation is being led by North Kent CID and anyone with information, including other potential victims, should contact Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/7098/24.