Thief Nabbed After Van Theft in Sittingbourne
Kyle Tyler’s joyride ended fast after he swiped a van from a Sittingbourne High Street garage on Tuesday 7 November 2023. Thanks to an onboard tracker, staff alerted Kent Police who quickly homed in on the vehicle’s whereabouts.
Police Pursuit Ends in Arrest
The van was spotted in Church Lane. Officers forced it to stop by pulling in front. Tyler, 44, of Victoria Road, Chatham, was arrested on the spot. At the police station, he kicked an officer and spat on the cell floor, making his situation even worse.
Multiple Charges and Swift Sentence
Investigators from Swale Victim Based Crime Team hit Tyler with a string of charges including burglary, driving without a licence or insurance, failure to provide a breath sample, criminal damage, and assaulting an emergency worker.
Tyler pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 9 November and was immediately jailed for seven months. He’s also banned from driving for 16 months.
Chief Inspector Condemns Violence Against Police
“This offender has learnt to his cost that our patrols will quickly respond when crimes are happening. He’s also learned assaulting a police officer carries a hefty sentence,” said District Commander Diane Middlemiss.
“Emergency workers must be able to do their job without fear of violent attacks. Anyone who tries to harm those responding to public calls will be caught, charged, and punished.”
