Midnight marauder Freeman struck again in Rochester, but fled when caught red-handed. The 39-year-old prowled City Way on 30 December 2022 before a startled resident spooked him off.
Bag Snatch in Broad Daylight
Just days later, on 8 January, Freeman seized another chance to pinch valuables. A man parking in Great Lines, Gillingham left his backpack unattended on a porch. Freeman spotted it, swiped the bag, and made off.
The victim gave chase, quickly confronting Freeman in nearby Sallyport Gardens. The backpack was retrieved, but not the bank cards inside. Freeman attempted to buy booze with the stolen cards – four times – but failed.
Car Doors and Front Door Forced
Undeterred, Freeman moved to Chatham in the early hours of 12 January. He fiddled with parked car doors and tried to force open a house door on Scott Terrace. Spotting trouble, he escaped on his bike.
Smart police spotted Freeman on local CCTV and doorbell cameras. He was arrested on 19 January in Ordnance Terrace.
Jailed for 3½ Years
With no fixed address, Freeman faced charges for two burglaries, attempted burglary, and fraud. At Maidstone Crown Court on 22 March, he pleaded guilty and was locked up for three years and six months.
Detective Constable Kati Edge, Kent Crime Squad: “Freeman is an opportunist criminal who roams the streets of Medway during the hours of darkness seeking items to steal. He has no regard for the impact his crimes may have on his victims. Medway residents can be reassured now that he is safely behind bars.”
