Man and teenager charged over high-value battery thefts in Kent and Surrey
Outages impacted broadband users as batteries were allegedly stolen from roadside cabinets
Forty charges have been brought against a man and a teenage boy following a series of high-value battery thefts from telecommunications sites across Kent and Surrey.
The thefts allegedly took place between 24th September and 4th October 2024, targeting locations in Canterbury, Herne Bay, West Malling, Eynsford in Dartford, and Claygate in Surrey.
In each incident, batteries were reportedly stolen from roadside cabinets, causing outages that disrupted broadband services for multiple customers. The total value of the stolen equipment is estimated to be around £18,750.
Kent Police launched an investigation, leading to arrests made in the Hempstead area of Gillingham on 7th October 2024. Following extensive enquiries, two suspects were charged on 6th November 2025.
Levi Backett, 38, of Frinsted Road, Erith, faces 23 counts of theft. A 15-year-old boy has been charged with 17 theft offences.
Both are scheduled to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday 11th December 2025).