Pizza Delivery Ruse Ends Behind Bars for Faversham Burglars
Two crooks faking a pizza delivery forced their way into a Faversham home before making off with cash and mobile phones. Gary Westcott, 40, from Rochdale, and Matthew Poole, 34, from Sheerness, have been jailed for the brazen break-in.
How the Crime Unfolded
On the evening of 15 September 2019, the pair knocked on a door in Larksfield Road. When asked who it was, they claimed to be pizza delivery men. The resident told them they had the wrong address and opened the door.
But with faces covered, Westcott and Poole forced their way inside. Poole held one victim in the kitchen while Westcott demanded cash from the other. Before fleeing, Poole threatened the victims not to call the police.
Camera Footage and Texts Seal Their Fate
Police spotted Westcott on the property’s doorbell camera and arrested him on 27 September. His phone revealed texts with Poole planning alibis the day after the raid.
Poole was arrested three days later. Both faced trial at Maidstone Crown Court, where Westcott was convicted despite denying the charges, and Poole pleaded guilty.
Sentences and Police Response
- Westcott: 4½ years in jail
- Poole: 2 years and 8 months in jail
“This would have been a terrifying ordeal for the victims and one which Westcott continued to deny he had any part in. However, there was a great deal of evidence to the contrary and I am pleased we were able to secure a conviction and put them both behind bars,” said Detective Constable Dan Bister.
