Burglar Jailed After Smash-and-Grab Spree Across Kent
Jimmy Gilheaney’s 2020 robbery rampage came to a crashing halt at Canterbury Crown Court. The 39-year-old broke into homes across Ashford, Folkestone, and Westgate-on-Sea, making off with thousands in cash, jewellery, and luxury goods — until police finally nabbed him.
Crime Spree Across Kent Towns
- On 10 October 2020, Gilheaney and an accomplice were spotted trying to break into a house in Ashford’s Torrington Road. The pair fled in a grey BMW after residents called police.
- Later that day, a smashed door in Gordon Close, Ashford, revealed over £2,000 stolen from the home.
- The next afternoon in Enbrook Valley, Folkestone, families returned from a walk to find cash and jewellery worth more than £10,000 gone.
- On 12 October, two men were seen leaving a property in Guildford Avenue, Westgate-on-Sea, hauling away foreign and British currency, designer handbags, and more jewellery.
Police Hunt Ends With Jail Sentence
Officers linked the crimes through CCTV and doorbell camera footage, tracing the grey BMW to Gilheaney. After a collision with a police car during a chase, he was apprehended and charged with three burglaries and one attempted burglary. He pleaded guilty on 23 April 2021.
At Canterbury Crown Court on 29 April, Gilheaney was sentenced to five years behind bars.
Officers Praise CCTV’s Role in Capture
“Gilheaney was a committed burglar who carried out as many break-ins as he could,” said PC Scott Drake, lead investigator.
“I’m pleased he will now be unable to target the people of Kent.
“This case highlights just how vital CCTV and doorbell footage are in catching crooks and keeping homes safe.”
