Terrified Cliffsend Residents Targeted by Car Thief and Burglar
Joshua Plant, 22, sparked panic in Cliffsend on the spooky night of Friday 13 October 2023. Without permission, he took a mate’s car just before midnight and went on a burglary spree, attempting to break into multiple homes from around 11.30pm.
Caught Red-Handed on CCTV Stealing Watch and Handbag
Plant smashed into a property on Beech Grove, snatching a handbag and a watch. CCTV footage caught his every move. Locals spotted him lurking suspiciously, fiddling with door handles, and swiftly alerted Kent Police, who rushed to the scene.
Arrest After Dramatic Car Crash and Assault on Officer
Officers tracked Plant down thanks to witness descriptions. He was arrested at 12.30am but not before assaulting one of the officers. Police found the stolen watch nearby. Meanwhile, the stolen car was recovered after crashing in a field near Nash Road.
Criminal Hit with Multiple Charges and Jail Sentence
- Charged with aggravated vehicle taking
- Burglary and eight counts of attempted burglary
- Assaulting an emergency worker
Following an East Kent CID probe, Plant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 21 months in prison at Canterbury Crown Court on 2 May 2024. He was also slapped with a 683-day driving ban.
Detective Constable Georgie Taker said: “Plant’s spree caused real distress to local residents. Thanks to community vigilance and doorstep cameras, we built a strong case. This sentence sends a clear message to would-be offenders.”
