Robbers Jailed After Threatening Pensioner in Broad Daylight
Two brazen thieves have been locked up for mugging a man in his 70s on Folkestone’s seafront. The pair threatened the victim and stole over £2,200 in cash just after he withdrew it from a bank in Sandgate Road.
Bold Daytime Heist Caught on Camera
Kent Police were called to The Leas around 10:20am on Tuesday 11 July 2023 following the shocking robbery. Craig Dunn, 30, and Richard Collins, 39, watched the elderly man stash his cash in a bag inside the bank. They then followed him outside, trailing him down the street.
When the victim realised he was being tailed and doubled back towards the bank, Collins suddenly charged at him, clenching his fist and threatening to “beat him” unless he handed over the bag.
The victim initially refused, but faced with renewed threats, Dunn lunged in and ripped the bag away, snapping its handles. The duo fled laughing – but their freedom was short-lived.
Cunning Escape Foiled by Police and Drone
The Folkestone Beat Team were already patrolling nearby and launched a high-speed hunt after getting the suspects’ description. The crooks dashed off towards Ingles Road but were tracked down thanks to state-of-the-art drone support and officers from the Neighbourhood Task Force.
The men were found hiding in bushes on Cheriton Road, having tried to avoid recognition by stripping off their t-shirts and changing clothes.
Dog Sniffs Out Evidence and Justice Served
Police Dog Cloud played a key role, sniffing out the stolen bag hidden behind a hedge and cash stashed inside air bricks. Dunn’s driving licence was also recovered at the scene.
Faced with CCTV evidence and the dog’s finds, Dunn and Collins admitted robbery charges. At Canterbury Crown Court on 28 August 2023, Collins, also linked to a previous 2022 Ramsgate robbery, was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months. Dunn was jailed for 2 years and 8 months.
“These two showed absolutely no regard for the terrifying nature of their offences and I’m pleased both are now in prison where they deserve to be,” said PC Felicity Pilcher, praising officers for their swift action. “The victim was incredibly shaken, but we managed to get his property back within an hour.”
