Burglars Nabbed After Charity Van Heist in West Kent and London
Two ruthless burglars targeting properties across west Kent and London have finally been locked up – thanks to a sharp Kent Police patrol.
Charity Staff Shocked by Overnight Break-In
On March 3, 2020, staff at a London charity in Ruskin Park found their premises broken into. The crooks raided a secure shipping container, making off with 27 power tools and a generator before fleeing in one of the charity’s own transit vans.
Police Stop Uncovers Huge Haul of Stolen Gear
Later that same day, officers pulled over a suspicious transit van on Heath Road, maidstone/" title="Maidstone" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Maidstone. Inside were Jason Holloway, Davey Chambers, and Charlie Hilden – plus a mountain of power tools and a generator. Holloway bizarrely claimed the items were bought at auction and online.
Officers suspected theft and seized the goods for investigation. Eleven tools were confirmed stolen from the Ruskin Park charity.
More Break-Ins and False Plates Tie Trio to Crime Spree
- On April 16, 23 mountain bikes vanished from a shipping container at Bedgebury Park.
- CCTV revealed the same transit van near the scene, now sporting false number plates.
- The van matched the charity’s stolen vehicle.
Holloway was pinned near both break-in spots. Following search warrants on April 27, police arrested all three men and found Holloway wearing clothing from the CCTV footage of the Bedgebury break-in.
The trio – Holloway (James Whatman Way, Maidstone), Chambers (Oriel Grove, Maidstone), and Hilden (Hampstead Lane, Nettlestead) – faced charges for the Ruskin Park raid and theft of the transit van. Holloway also faced charges from the Bedgebury burglary; Chambers for a Wrotham Secondary School break-in in January 2020.
Sentences Handed Down at Maidstone Crown Court
At Maidstone Crown Court, all three pleaded guilty.
- Jason Holloway, 32, was sentenced to 3 years 4 months in prison.
- Davey Chambers, 32, got 2 years 6 months behind bars.
- Charlie Hilden, 41, received a 2-year suspended sentence.
“These men are prolific criminals who have been preying on premises during the hours of darkness,” said Detective Constable Alex Peacock.
“They caused significant damage during the break-ins. The losses suffered by some of those targeted will have seriously impacted their ability to continue trading.”
“It’s fitting that two of these criminals are now behind bars to protect those trying to earn an honest living.”
