Burglars Busted: Stolen Loot Found in Car Stop
Two burglars were slammed with jail time after cops nabbed stolen goods in a car stopped in Sheerness. Joshua James-Smith, 24, from Chatham, and Jacob Winnett, 27, from Gillingham, both pleaded guilty to breaking into a home on Halfway Road back in February 2020.
Chase Ends in Prison Sentences
- Winnett got 1 year 8 months for burglary plus perverting the course of justice.
- James-Smith scored one year, also linked to a separate break-in in Swanscombe.
They were arrested just 40 minutes after the Sheerness raid. Police were tipped off after two suspicious men were seen skulking near the target house before vanishing down an alley.
High-Speed Stop and Dramatic Foot Chase
Cops spotted the pair driving away in an Audi, with James-Smith behind the wheel. When officers pulled them over on the A249, Winnett made a dash for it, risking death by running across traffic.
After a two-mile foot chase, police caught him red-handed.
Luxury Loot Found: Rolex, Cash, and Stolen Trainers
Inside the car’s back, officers uncovered a Rolex watch and a hefty stash of cash – both stolen during the Sheerness burglary.
A search of Winnett’s home uncovered stolen designer trainers and a drone, linked to a Swanscombe break-in on January 28.
James-Smith was spotted on CCTV jumping over a fence during that Swanscombe burglary.
“The invasion of privacy that a person feels knowing their home has been burgled must not be taken lightly,” said PC Colin Cherry. “We work hard to ensure those responsible for such crimes are caught and appropriately charged.”
