A serial burglar who smashed his way into homes across Medway has been locked up. Gavin Lawless, 47, targeted private properties in Rainham, Cliffe, Rochester, and Gillingham in January 2026.
Tracked Hire Car Helps Police Crack Case
Lawless cracked rear windows with stones or bricks, then reached in to unlock doors. He ransacked houses, stealing jewellery and cash. For his first two raids, he used a Jeep Avenger hired by an associate, not knowing it had a tracking device. He then switched to a Vauxhall Corsa for three more break-ins all on 21 January. Police caught him the same day in the Corsa with stolen loot inside.
High-Tech Tracking and CCTV Sealed His Fate
Investigators linked Lawless to the earlier burglaries via the Jeep’s GPS data and CCTV footage showing the Corsa at the crime scenes. Officers also seized clothing from his Gillingham home that matched CCTV images of the offender. Lawless pleaded guilty to five counts of burglary at Maidstone Crown Court on 20 February. On 9 April, he was sentenced to three years and nine months behind bars.
Detective Hails ‘Proactive Policing’
“This man committed a series of crimes that left his victims feeling unsafe in their own homes,” said Detective Constable Dan Bister. “Burglary is a despicable offence. Lawless caused considerable damage and stole items of emotional value. His brazen spree ended thanks to proactive policing and a thorough investigation. I hope those he targeted can move on now he is safely behind bars.”
