Two brazen burglars were caught red-handed minutes after ripping off cars from a Swanley driveway. The drama kicked off just before 1am when police were called to a house break-in near Goldsel Road.
Police Chase Hits 85mph on M25
Jewellery, a wallet, a pricey watch — along with keys to an Audi and a Mazda — were stolen in the raid. Officers quickly spotted the stolen Mazda racing towards the Dartford River Crossing, driven by 18-year-old Liam Madgwick.
Madgwick didn’t hold back, hurtling at 85mph in a 30mph zone and running a red light before being trapped at a dead-end in Purfleet, Essex. Just 14 minutes after the burglary call, cops had him in custody.
Backup Arrests Michael Allison and Third Man
Meanwhile, a lone female officer tailed a Vauxhall believed to be linked to the stolen Mazda. She forced the car to stop at a Barking petrol station, arresting 21-year-old Michael Allison and another man. Stolen goods were recovered from the vehicle.
Three Jail Sentences for Swanley Crime Spree
- Michael Allison, 21, Ilford: Pleaded guilty to burglary and theft. Sentenced to 2 years 4 months in jail.
- Liam Madgwick, 18, Dagenham: Also admitted to dangerous driving and no licence/insurance. Sentenced to 16 months in a young offender institution.
- Kian O’Connor, 20, South Ockendon: Turned himself in a day after the burglary. Admitted to burglary and vehicle theft. Sentenced to 18 months in a young offender institution.
The stolen Audi remains missing, but police cracked down hard on the trio.
Detective Constable Rosie Acton said: “Burglary and car theft cause huge upset and anxiety to victims. These crimes don’t just bite financially — they steal the sense of security from people’s own homes and communities.”
“We’re relentless in hunting down offenders who come into our neighbourhoods just to commit crime. Our swift response and investigations show how dedicated we are to keeping people safe.”
