Tunbridge Wells Burglar Slapped with 3.5 Years for Jewellery and Cash Raids
A tracking system on a burglar’s car has landed Gary Bentley behind bars for over three years. The 42-year-old prowled homes across Tunbridge Wells, stealing cash, jewellery, and more during a brazen crime spree last May.
Alfa Romeo Tracker Leads Police Straight to Bentley
Bentley struck first on 20 May 2019, breaking into a house in Sandown Park and leaving the place turned upside down. He made off with cash and shiny jewellery. Just four days later, he targeted a Pembury property in Hastings Road, barging in and grabbing a bank card, watch, jewellery, and even metal tankards.
Using the stolen bank card, Bentley bought tobacco, food, and fuel at various local shops and petrol stations, leaving a clear paper trail.
More Burglaries and Mobile Phone Footage Seal His Fate
On 28 May, Bentley hit again in Chalklet Lane, Pembury, snatching cash and four watches. Police tracked his spree through mobile phone footage provided by a witness, which showed Bentley in the act. Arrested on 30 May, his car’s built-in tracker placed him near every break-in on the exact dates.
Judge Sends Bentley Straight to Maidstone Crown Court Jail
Bentley, of Elmhurst Avenue, Pembury, pleaded guilty to three burglaries and four fraud charges. On 6 February at Maidstone Crown Court, he was sentenced to three years and six months in prison.
Tunbridge Wells District Commander, Chief Inspector Peter Steenhuis: “Bentley is a prolific and brazen offender who broke into homes in broad daylight, stealing whatever he could find. These crimes devastate victims, returning home to ransacked properties. Although Bentley showed little remorse, it’s reassuring that his prison sentence now protects Tunbridge Wells residents from his criminal acts.”
