Kent Crime Spree Ends as Notorious Thief Gets Eight Years
A prolific criminal who wreaked havoc across west and north Kent has been locked up for eight years. Gary Parks targeted homes, vehicles, and shops, leaving a trail of theft and damage in his wake.
Luxury Cars Stolen After Midnight Raid
Just after midnight on 3 April 2024, an Audi and a Mercedes were pinched from a driveway in Wilmington, Dartford. Parks and his gang stole keys right from inside the homeowner’s house. Police investigations uncovered the culprits had used a hire car to travel to the scene. CCTV and other evidence linked Parks to the crime.
High-Value Perfume Heists in Sevenoaks and Dartford
On 12 April, Parks didn’t stop at vehicles. He struck Boots the Chemist in Sevenoaks High Street, stealing around £6,400 worth of perfume. CCTV caught Parks and two accomplices stuffing rucksacks and walking out without paying.
Then, in the early hours of 4 June, Parks drove a stolen Land Rover Discovery to Dartford High Street. The vehicle was sporting false plates from another Land Rover stolen just the night before in Blackheath, London. Alongside two others, Parks forced open Savers doors and made off with over £3,300 worth of perfume. Police used CCTV and ANPR technology to nail him.
Caught and Sentenced: Justice for Victims
Police seized the stolen Land Rover in Welling on 6 June. A week later, on 18 June, they executed a search warrant at a Plumstead address and arrested Parks. The 35-year-old of Okehampton Crescent, Welling, pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to multiple charges including burglaries, motor thefts, and receiving stolen property. He was sentenced on 12 September.
Detective Constable Emma Laimbeer said: “Parks is a prolific offender who targeted homes overnight, stealing car keys without any thought for the impact on victims. He also showed no regard for the financial hit on businesses losing valuable stock, nor the damage caused to premises.”
“The Kent Crime Squad’s relentless work pieced together the evidence to hold Parks accountable. Tracking him to South London means North Kent will be safer with him behind bars.”
