Burglar Caught Red-Handed After Caravan Heists on Isle of Sheppey
A brazen burglar who broke into caravans on the Isle of Sheppey has been locked up for two years and three months. Darren Baldock, 50, from Charlton, south east London, targeted two caravan sites and even stole a Transit van in the early hours.
Early Morning Raid and Van Theft
On 3 July 2019, at around 5.30am, Kent Police were called to Hart Holiday Camp in Leysdown-on-Sea after a burglary was reported. Baldock had stolen car keys, phones, cash, and electronic goods from a caravan. He also made off with a Ford Transit van parked outside.
Later that morning, the stolen van was found stuck on the beach near Sheerness docks. CCTV caught Baldock trying to free it using a rope and pulley attached to a fence—unsuccessfully.
Lie Caught: Burglar Posing as Staff
Police quickly found Baldock nearby. He claimed he worked at the caravan park and that the van was his. Baldock even wore a jumper with the park’s logo. But police were not fooled. A search of another caravan uncovered stolen goods from that same morning.
Reoffends and Gets Busted
Despite being under suspicion, Baldock struck again—this time at Nutts Farm Caravan Park, also in Leysdown-on-Sea. A resident spotted him inside a caravan in the early hours of 5 July. Baldock lied, claiming he was a security guard, then fled.
He was soon caught nearby with stolen bank cards and cash in his possession. Charged with two burglaries and stealing a vehicle, Baldock was remanded in custody.
“Baldock thought he could steal from others by impersonating staff and lying, without giving any consideration to the impact burglary has on victims,” said CID Investigator Charlotte Lundy. “The fact he committed burglary whilst still under investigation shows he was determined to continue and this custodial sentence has put a stop to his criminal activities.”
