Burglar nabbed red-handed stealing cigarettes from Tesco Express in Dartford! Police swooped after an overnight alarm alerted them to a break-in at the Henderson Drive store.
Police Respond to Nighttime Break-In
Kent Police officers raced to Tesco Express at around 1.45am on Sunday, 25 May, following reports of a smash-and-grab.
They arrived to find a shattered window and spotted movement inside the shop.
Shovel-Wielding Crook Caught on CCTV
Security footage showed 41-year-old Tom O’Neil of Baden Road, Gillingham, entering the store armed with a shovel and a duvet cover. He used the duvet cover to try and snatch multiple cigarette packs and even vaulted the counter to reach the tobacco.
O’Neil handed himself over to officers without a fight and was promptly arrested at the scene.
Guilty Plea and Court Date Set
O’Neil pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court and was given conditional bail ahead of his sentencing hearing on Thursday, 24 July.
