Chatham Crook Shane Rule Jailed for Nearly Five Years After Crime Spree
Thief Targets Homes and Businesses Before Dangerous Getaway
Shane Rule, 35, from Boundary Road, Chatham, has been locked up for four years and 10 months. The local crook carried out a bold crime spree in January 2020, breaking into two businesses, a private home, and stealing a car to make his getaway.
Ransacks Home, Steals Car, Then Flees at Double Speed
Between January 20 and 23, Rule smashed into a Westmount Avenue property, stealing enough to fill three suitcases. He then made off in a car parked in the garage. When police spotted the stolen vehicle, Rule floored it – hitting over twice the speed limit through residential streets, risking lives to dodge arrest.
Crash and Arrest: Stolen Goods Found in Suitcases
The chase ended violently near Port Rise when Rule lost control and crashed into a wall. A passenger was hurt in the collision. Police found the stolen luggage inside the wreck, arresting Rule on the spot. He now faces charges including burglary, theft, dangerous driving causing injury, aggravated vehicle taking, and driving while disqualified.
Investigation Reveals More Break-Ins
Officers uncovered two additional break-ins at businesses on Boundary Road and Skinner Street earlier that January. Detective Constable Rebecca Ward slammed Rule’s reckless rampage:
“In January, Rule targeted two local businesses, causing damage to break in. His burglary of a home and theft of personal items can have lasting emotional impact. Coupled with dangerous driving and blatant disregard for public safety, he rightly faces a custodial sentence.”
