Brazen Burglar Caught After String of Break-Ins Near Tunbridge Wells
Gary Bentley, a no fixed address crook, has been locked up for over three years after a crime spree across Pembury and Maidstone. The 46-year-old targeted homes, stealing jewellery, cash, and food while causing significant damage.
From Garden Forks to Handsaws: Bentley’s Trail of Crime
On 7 August 2023, Bentley broke into a house on Lower Green Road, Pembury. He smashed a door and window, walking off with food items and a knife. Officers later found a garden fork in the rear garden bearing his DNA.
Just days later, he hit a property on Maidstone Road, breaking in with garden shears and stealing jewellery. His crime scene connections didn’t end there. Bentley was caught trying to pawn a stolen necklace in Tonbridge on 10 August – the item linked to a break-in earlier that year in Tunbridge Wells.
In December, he struck again in Stone Court Lane, cutting through a door with a handsaw to steal cash. Police quickly found his DNA on the saw, sealing his fate.
Arrest, Guilty Plea, and Prison Sentence
Bentley was finally arrested on 19 January 2024. He pleaded guilty to three burglaries and handling stolen goods, plus criminal damage at a Pembury property in November 2023. On 15 July, Maidstone Crown Court sentenced him to three years and three months behind bars.
Two more burglaries and two attempted break-ins remain on file, adding to his long rap sheet.
Police Condemn Bentley’s Recklessness
“Bentley is a prolific criminal who has shown a complete disregard for the impact his crimes would have on the victims. Burglary can leave residents fearful in their own homes and he should be ashamed of his actions,” said Detective Constable Celia King.
“Our investigators will leave no stone unturned to track down offenders. Once we linked Bentley forensically to the crime scenes, it was only a matter of time before we brought him to justice.”
