Business says it is being 'incorrectly targeted'

Activists vandalise Kite Packaging site for second time

Palestine Action posted a video of its attack on Kite on social media

Kite Packaging’s site in Kent has been damaged for a second time by activists from Palestine Action. 

The firm’s operation in Bobbing, near Sittingbourne, was first targeted in July when doors and windows were smashed and vehicles damaged

It was attacked again in the early hours of 26 August. 

Masked Palestine Action protesters entered the site after cutting through a padlocked chain that was securing the gates.

They then daubed “Drop Elbit” onto the building using red spray paint, smashed entrance systems and a lorry cab using a hammer, and glued up shutter doors.

Palestine Action is targeting the business because it believes it supplies Israeli-owned Instro Inspection, a Kent-based business that makes precision systems such as night sights used by soldiers and special forces.

Instro Inspection is a subsidiary of military equipment specialist Elbit Systems which is the subject of an ongoing campaign by the group.

However, Kite Packaging has refuted the Palestine Action claims.

In a statement the company said: “We condemn the attacks on our Sittingbourne site which have had a significant impact on our business and our members of staff.

“We are being targeted as a result of us being incorrectly linked to a company with connections to Israel.” 

Kite said that it does not have a contract to supply packaging to the company it had been linked with “nor do we produced or sell anything that is aimed at, or specialist to, any business in the armament industry”.

Kite said it was working closely with the police following the latest incident.

Kent Police has appealed for information. A spokesperson said: “Kent Police is investigating a burglary reported at a business in Sheppey Way, Bobbing, at around 1am on Monday 26 August 2024. 

“During the incident several windows, doors and vehicles were damaged and an investigation is underway to identify those responsible. Anyone with information that may assist should call 01795 419119, quoting crime reference 46/143986/24.”

Kite is employee-owned. The Coventry-headquartered business had sales of nearly £168m last year and employed around 400 staff across its operations.