Bungling Burglar Caught Fleeing Across Roof with Loot
James Sansom’s daring burglary spree in Margate ended in a rooftop chase and a jail sentence. The 42-year-old raided two properties on Marine Drive in broad daylight on Monday, 8 August 2022 — but cops were hot on his trail.
Two Burglaries in One Morning
At 8:20am, kent-police/" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police received a 999 call about a break-in at an empty commercial building. Officers, backed by a police dog, swiftly cordoned off the area. They tracked down a suspect matching Sansom’s description, searching every room while others blocked escape routes.
Just moments later, a nearby home was reported burgled. Stolen goods included a games console, clothes, and aftershave. Witnesses spotted Sansom fleeing through a window, scrambling onto the roof with shopping bags stuffed with his haul.
Roof-Top Getaway Ends in Arrest
Police gave chase on foot as Sansom darted across the roof, bags in hand. The rooftop escape plan failed — officers caught him shortly after and recovered the stolen items nearby.
Prolific Burglar Sentenced to Jail
Sansom, from Dalby Square, Margate, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary at Canterbury Crown Court on Wednesday, 28 September 2022. He received a hefty custodial sentence of two years and four months.
“James Sansom is a prolific burglar and went to extraordinary heights to evade capture. Unfortunately for him, the swift actions of attending officers working with CCTV operators meant there was nowhere for him to hide,” said DS Neil Martin of East Kent CID.
“As Sansom already had a suspended sentence from previous offending, he is now facing a longer time in prison.”
