Two thieves have been handed prison sentences following a series of burglaries targeting high-value cars across north and east Kent.
Six properties in Cliffe, Whitstable, Woodchurch, and Faversham were broken into between Tuesday 17 February and Tuesday 10 March 2026. Ben Aspinall and Jonathan Dehaviland, both aged 19, entered the victims’ homes to steal vehicle keys alongside other personal belongings, including watches, handbags, and games consoles. They then used the stolen keys to take several prestige vehicles, including BMWs, a Volvo, and a Mercedes.
Both men were arrested on 10 March after officers located the stolen Mercedes parked near Dehaviland’s address in Strood, with the vehicle’s key found inside the property. Aspinall, from London, and Dehaviland were charged the following day with multiple counts of burglary and vehicle theft and subsequently pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court on 20 April and were sentenced at the same court on Friday 3 July 2026. Dehaviland was jailed for five years and three months, whilst Aspinall received a sentence of four years and one month.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Daniel Bister commented:
“These two men corrupted the sanctity of several people’s homes, leading not only to financial loss but a loss of the feeling of security.
“Their brazen crimes were spread across the county, highlighting their confidence in not being caught. Of course, they were and now face years behind bars. We hope this sentence brings their victims some sense of justice.”