Bungling Burglar Caught Red-Handed in Maidstone Coffee Shop Heist
A brazen burglar was nabbed after smashing his way into a Maidstone coffee shop – and locked up just one day later.
Smash and Grab at Puddings Coffee Shop
Danny Crawley didn’t stop at petty theft. After forcing entry through the front door of Puddings on Week Street, he made off with an iPad, a till drawer, and more than £150 in cash.
Kent Police rushed to the scene at 2.45am on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, catching Crawley red-handed with stolen goods still in his grip.
Caught on CCTV and Traced to Hazlitt Theatre
Police uncovered that Crawley had hit the shop earlier the same day, lifting more items in a previous visit. Investigators tracked him to the rear of the Hazlitt Theatre, where they found the till drawer dumped with loose change scattered nearby.
Swift Justice at Sevenoaks Court
The 44-year-old from Godstow Road, Abbey Wood, was arrested and charged with burglary and criminal damage. After pleading guilty at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on 4 December, he was swiftly handed 20 weeks behind bars and ordered to repay £154 to the coffee shop owner.
“Burglaries and shoplifting have a huge impact on the community,” said PC Tom Zsinko. “Beyond repair costs and lost profits, these crimes can push prices up and threaten the survival of independent shops. We’re pleased to have caught Crawley quickly and delivered justice.”
