Brave Victim Chases Burglar Through Streets of Canterbury
Darren Jarvis thought he could sneak away with two bicycles and a flatscreen TV from a property on St Augustine’s Road. But the victim caught him red-handed and gave chase until the police arrived.
Jarvis Caught and Locked Up for Burglary and Assault
At Canterbury Crown Court on Wednesday 21 October, Jarvis, 51, was slammed with a four-year prison sentence. Three years were for the burglary charge, which breached a conditional discharge from 2019, plus an extra year for assaulting a police officer in a separate incident.
Crime Details: Early Morning Theft and Daring Pursuit
- In the early hours of 14 January 2020, the victim woke to footsteps outside his room.
- Two bikes were missing, and outside, Jarvis was seen wearing one of the stolen cycle helmets, attempting to ride away with a flatscreen TV.
- The victim confronted Jarvis, reclaimed one bike and helmet, forcing the thief to drop the TV and flee.
- Undeterred, the victim gave chase on the recovered bike despite Jarvis’s threats.
- Police arrived promptly and arrested Jarvis at the scene.
Police Praise Victim’s Courage
“The burglary victim was courageous in his efforts to stop Jarvis escaping with his ill-gotten gains, and he risked a lot by tracking this nasty character through the city,” said PC Samantha Lewis.
PC Lewis added that other stolen items, including another bike and computer games, remain missing. She suspects Jarvis had accomplices but noted his lack of cooperation to recover the goods.
“I hope he uses his time in prison to consider just how mean-spirited his behaviour is and the effect burglaries have on victims.”
