Bank Holiday Burglar Jailed for Four Years After 17 Raids
A brazen burglar smashed his way through Thanet and Canterbury over the May bank holiday weekend, hitting 17 locations. Now, the thief is behind bars for four years.
Weekend Spree of Burglaries Across Kent
Over the weekend of May 5 and 6, 2019, businesses and homes in Herne Bay, Manson, Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Westgate, Birchington, and Canterbury were targeted. The thief stole charity boxes, cash boxes, and safes from cafes, offices, industrial units, bars, and even private residences.
In a bold move, the burglar tried to snatch cash boxes attached to washing machines in a caravan park laundry area. In total, 17 burglaries and attempted break-ins were reported.
Captured on CCTV and Caught in Record Time
Victims handed over CCTV footage showing the hooded offender in action. Kent Police launched a swift investigation and, within three days, 25-year-old Jordan Line from Margate Road, Ramsgate, was identified and arrested.
Line was charged on May 9 with conspiracy to burgle. He admitted the charge and was sentenced to four years in prison at Canterbury Crown Court on June 6, 2019.
Police Praise CCTV and Community Help
“This result is down to brilliant support from the businesses involved, and a lot of swift work from officers reviewing hours of CCTV and having the good local knowledge to identify an offender,” said Detective Sergeant Jay Robinson from Kent Police.
“Work is still ongoing to identify others involved. We encourage everyone to install CCTV and learn how to operate and download footage.”
“In this case, ready access to CCTV meant Line had nowhere to hide and was arrested quickly.”
