Soap-Dodging Burglar Jailed for £10k Cigarette Heist Spree in East Kent
A bungling burglar has been locked up for smashing his way into three Co-op stores across east Kent and nicking £10,000 worth of cigarettes and tobacco.
White Duvet Cover Used in Ciggy Caper
Daniel D’Age targeted Co-ops in Ash, Westgate, and Deal between April and August 2019. Each time, he forced entry using tools before packing the goods into a white duvet cover.
He caused an estimated £9,000 in damage during his spree.
Police Chase Ends With Burglar’s Hiding Spot Revealed
- The first strike was at Ash on 16 April 2019, just after 11.30pm.
- D’Age tried again in Westgate on 27 August but failed to break into the cigarette cabinet.
- The very next day, he hit the Deal store and made off with more smokes.
Witnesses spotted his getaway car, and police caught up with him on the A256 heading towards Ramsgate. D’Age refused to stop, triggering a high-speed chase to Garlinge. When he bailed out, he was found hiding behind a garden bench.
Police found stolen number plates taped over his real ones — reportedly taken from another vehicle just the day before.
Evidence Seals The Deal
CCTV showed D’Age breaking in at Westgate and Deal. His DNA-linked balaclava was left behind at the Ash raid.
The 35-year-old from Gilbert Way, pleaded guilty to three burglaries, theft, and dangerous driving. On 27 February 2020, Canterbury Crown Court sentenced him to one year behind bars.
“D’Age caused thousands of pounds’ worth of damage during his stealing spree and his less-than-subtle approach clearly showed little concern for the mess and upset caused,” said DS Jay Robinson.
“We know how devastating burglary can be to a business and officers will always aim to identify those responsible to bring them to justice.”
