Kent Crime Squad Locks Up Over 29 Years’ Worth of Burglars
Kent’s crack team of detectives and uniformed officers are hitting criminals hard. Over the past month, they nailed 22 new arrests and secured 41 new charges, adding to an astonishing total of over 268 years behind bars since February 2021. Last month alone accounted for nearly 30 years of prison sentences handed down to offenders.
Detectives Make Real Impact on Burglary Crime
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Talboys, who leads the team, said: “Burglary leaves a deep emotional scar on victims. Many thieves target easily sold goods like jewellery, often family heirlooms passed down for generations.”
He added, “Our team is determined to give victims the best service and leave no stone unturned. We’re making it tough for criminals to operate in Kent and will keep this momentum going.”
Shocking Crimes and Long Jail Terms
- A distraction thief in Canterbury and Faversham tricked elderly victims by pretending to be a smoke alarm technician. He burgled five homes, stealing cash and priceless jewellery, including a ring belonging to one victim’s late husband. After a chase in Hersden, he was caught and sentenced to over six years inside.
- Two notorious car thieves who ripped off nine vehicles across Folkestone, Hythe, Lydd, Camber and Dymchurch were identified thanks to CCTV and phone data. One was caught red-handed driving a stolen Skoda in Folkestone. Both face more than eight years behind bars, with a third suspect awaiting sentencing.
- Two knifepoint robbers held occupants hostage in three home invasions in Sheerness, stealing £200 and a moped. Forensic work linked them to the crimes and they were locked up for a combined 10+ years.
Ongoing Investigations and New Charges
The Crime Squad isn’t stopping. They’ve charged multiple suspects in fresh cases, including:
- A man accused of attempting to rob staff at an industrial unit in Rochester
- A Liverpool man linked to burglaries across Deal
- Two men charged with assaulting an elderly woman during a break-in in Swanscombe
- A Norfolk man suspected in a conspiracy to steal high-value cars in West Malling and Swanley
All suspects are remanded in custody awaiting trial.
How to Protect Yourself, Warns DCI Talboys
DCI Talboys urges homeowners to stay vigilant: “Kent Police has the expertise to catch offenders and deliver justice, but people can help by securing all doors and windows when away, keeping valuables out of sight, and using timer switches on lights and radios to create the illusion someone’s home.”
He added, “We’ll investigate every lead, but prevention remains key to beating these criminals.”
