Tony Jackson, a 51-year-old burglar from Redbridge Close in Chatham, has been sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison at Canterbury Crown Court following a series of break-ins across Kent.
Jackson was caught on CCTV breaking into several businesses during a crime spree spanning from December 2019 to February 2020. Despite denying five burglary charges, a jury found him guilty on 9 October 2020 after a trial.
The incidents included:
- 6 December 2019 – Jackson smashed glass panels at a company in Shearway Business Park, Folkestone, and raided an office drawer for cash at around 7pm.
- 28 December 2019 – He broke into a business on Caesar’s Way, Folkestone, through a window and stole a large amount of cash from a safe.
- 15 January 2020 – Jackson targeted two businesses on Bingham Road, Sittingbourne, breaking in by smashing front doors and stealing a drill from one and cash from another.
- 21 February 2020 – At 3:39am, he was caught on CCTV breaking into a business on Maidstone Road, Rochester, where he took a drill, money, and a ladder.
Police linked Jackson to the crimes through CCTV footage and vehicle checks. Upon his arrest on 25 February, officers found his car along with bright orange hi-vis jackets matching those worn during the Rochester burglary.
Detective Constable Nicola Emery commented: “Jackson specifically targeted premises at times he believed they would be empty. During the burglaries he caused significant damage to the offices which resulted in thousands of pounds having to be spent to make the premises safe and secure. His actions resulted in a lengthy sentence and I hope it sends a clear message that this type of crime will not be tolerated.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
