GPS Tag Nails Armed Thief Ryan Cooney
Ryan Cooney’s own GPS tag sealed his fate after two violent crimes in August 2022. The data tracked him to the scenes, proving his guilt beyond doubt.
Bag Snatch on Commercial Road
At 2am on 14 August, Cooney targeted a lone woman on Commercial Road. He yanked a bag from her shoulder and fled, ignoring her desperate struggle to keep it.
McDonald’s Robbery Just Days Later
Two days later, Cooney struck again, this time inside a McDonald’s on the same road. He threatened staff with violence. Terrified, they handed over cash and he escaped with the loot.
Fast Arrest and Prison Sentence
The Kent Crime Squad acted quickly, arresting Cooney on 17 August. Thanks to the GPS evidence, he was charged with two robberies. Cooney, 35, from Hilltop Road, Strood, pleaded guilty at maidstone/" title="Maidstone" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Maidstone Crown Court.
On 10 May 2023, he was locked up for three years and four months.
Detective Constable Ben Slocombe said: “Cooney is a prolific criminal who thought nothing of using violence and threats to achieve his aim of stealing other people’s property.”
“His offences, committed whilst on licence from prison, will have a lasting impact on his victims and he should consider this while serving his well-deserved prison sentence.”
