Burglars Jailed After High-Speed Crime Spree Across Kent and Sussex
Two Liverpool men have been locked up following a daring burglary and car theft operation that rocked Kent. Ellis McKeown, 24, and Marcus Jones, 20, were caught after an intensive hunt by Kent Police’s Chief Constable’s Crime Squad.
Early Morning Break-In Sparks Police Manhunt
On 18 June 2021, a Deal resident spotted suspicious men lurking in her driveway around 4.30am. The same night, another nearby property was targeted but not entered. The gang then struck in Sholden, breaking into a home and stealing keys to three cars – all of which were driven off.
Tracking the stolen vehicles led officers on a trail into East Sussex. Just two days later, Sussex Police found one car in Fairlight, disguised with false number plates. CCTV footage showed four suspects near the vehicle. Kent Police quickly identified two of them as McKeown and Jones, known offenders from previous run-ins.
Arrests and Sentencing Bring Justice
- Jones was nabbed in Liverpool in August 2021.
- McKeown was caught in Wolverhampton a month later.
- McKeown received a total 2.5-year sentence, including six months for dangerous driving in the West Midlands.
- Jones was handed a 20-month sentence, suspended for two years.
Police Crackdown Sends Strong Message
“Burglaries shatter people’s sense of safety in their own homes,” said Detective Sergeant Jay Robinson. “Replacing stolen possessions and coping without vehicles is a huge inconvenience. Kent Police is committed to hunting down offenders and delivering justice swiftly.”
“I hope these sentences deter others and keep Kent residents safe from burglars.”
