Moped-Thief Robbie Murray Jailed for Two Years After Brazen Canterbury Crime Spree
A reckless thief who sped on the wrong side of the road and raced along pavements to dodge police has finally been locked up. Robbie Murray, 19, faced Canterbury Crown Court and was sentenced to two years in a young offenders’ institution for a string of thefts and driving offences across Canterbury and Whitstable.
From Shoplifting to Dangerous Moped Escapes
Murray’s crime spree began on 16 April 2019 when CCTV caught him nicking a bottle of cider and earphones from a Canterbury store. Police later identified him from the footage.
Not long after, on 29 May, he swiped meat from a Whitstable shop. Undeterred, Murray returned on 18 June wearing a crash helmet, tried to steal meat again, then made a desperate getaway on his moped.
His escape ended in disaster when he crashed into an oncoming car. His scooter’s number plate fell off at the scene, sealing his fate.
Threats, Theft and DNA Evidence Seal His Doom
- On 30 July, Murray threatened a woman in Whitstable, warning he’d ‘stab her son up.’ She snapped his photo, helping police arrest him.
- He racked up more charges on 4 September after stealing a scooter from outside a house in Herne Bay. The bike was later found badly damaged in Whitstable.
- Police matched DNA from a discarded bottle and fingerprints on the bike to Murray, tightening the noose.
Dangerous Riding and Fraud Add to Charges
On 17 September, Murray swiped a motorbike in Whitstable and was later spotted riding helmetless, without lights, and on the wrong side of the road. He even rode through a road closure and onto pavements in a residential area before cops finally stopped him.
He was also hit with fraud charges after falsely claiming a taxi fare to a probation appointment—when he actually rode his moped—and multiple bail offences for skipping court.
Police Celebrate Victory Over Moped Crime
“Shopkeepers, vehicle owners and others across the area have been victims of Murray’s repeat offending,” said PC Sarah Copeland, the lead investigator.
“Good police work has led to a strong case which has now seen him locked up for a considerable length of time.
We will always work hard to stop moped-enabled crime and protect business owners and residents.”
