Two men in custody after motorhome theft probe near Hailsham

TWO stolen motorhomes have been returned to their owner after the suspected thieves were stopped by Roads Policing Unit (RPU) officers.

A break-in was reported at a commercial premises in Lower Dicker near Hailsham at about 10.35pm on Thursday, June 6.

Specialist RPU officers from Sussex Police and Kent Police tracked both stolen vehicles.

The first vehicle was stopped on the A228 travelling eastbound.

The second was stopped on the M25 at junction 3, Swanley following a pursuit where damage was caused to a Kent Police vehicle by the driver of the motorhome.

Two men were arrested in connection with the incident. Following an investigation by the Eastbourne Response Investigation Team A (RIT), a total of nine charges were secured against two suspects.

Sussex Police can confirm that Richard Pollard, 37, of no fixed address, was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving without valid insurance, and criminal damage.

Meanwhile Steven Songhurst, 40, of no fixed address, was charged with driving while unfit through drugs, theft of a motor vehicle, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving without valid insurance, criminal damage, and failing to provide a specimen of blood for analysis.

Both men appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on June 8 and were remanded in custody to appear in court again on July 5 to answer the charges.

RPU Sergeant Chris Ambrose said: “The two motorhomes were stolen near Hailsham then drove out of Sussex towards Kent.

“Our officers tracked them and were able to stop both drivers along with assistance from our colleagues in Kent.

“Both teams worked seamlessly to recover the stolen vehicles and ensure they can be returned to the owner.

“It demonstrates the professionalism and determination of officers to stop criminals using our road networks in the South East.”