Midnight Smash and Grab Ends in Jail for Van Thief
Just before midnight on Wednesday, 21 September 2022, Mark Steed Shadbolt made a desperate attempt to raid a shop on The Broadway. Accompanied by an accomplice, Shadbolt parked a stolen Renault van outside and tried to wrench a cash machine from the wall with a crowbar — but luck wasn’t on their side.
Failed Cash Machine Theft Turns to Smash and Grab
When the cash machine didn’t budge, Shadbolt kicked through the front door. Both men stormed inside carrying a large sack. They stuffed it with cigarettes and parcels waiting for collection before dashing back to their van.
Police Hot on Their Tail After Dangerous High-Speed Chase
Witnesses and council CCTV quickly tipped off police. Patrols tracked the stolen van as Shadbolt raced recklessly down roads near Minster Road, forcing other drivers to swerve to avoid crashes.
The chase ended in Sittingbourne when Shadbolt abandoned the van and tried to flee on foot. Police caught him and confirmed the Renault was stolen earlier that month.
Jail Time and Driving Ban for Callous Crime Spree
Mark Steed Shadbolt, 31, from Peckham, pleaded guilty to burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, and dangerous driving at Maidstone Crown Court. On 12 November, he was sentenced to two years and ten months behind bars and banned from driving for over four years.
“Steed Shadbolt targeted a local business and caused considerable damage to gain entry,” said PC Alexandra Henderson, Sittingbourne CID. “His reckless fleeing could have injured innocent drivers.”
“This crime impacts the entire community and threatens local shops’ survival. A prison sentence is the right outcome.”
