He smashed his way in through the front door
A burglar, who was caught red-handed after he stole cash from a Maidstone shop, has been jailed. Danny Crawley took an iPad, till drawer, and more than £150 in cash from an independent coffee shop, after smashing his way in through the front door.
Kent Police officers were called at around 2.45am on December 3, to a burglary in progress at Puddings in Week Street. Officers attended the scene and caught Crawley with some of the stolen goods in his possession.
They reviewed CCTV footage and determined he had previously attended the premises just hours before and stolen more items.
Investigators tracked his movements to the rear of the Hazlitt Theatre where they found the till drawer with a small amount of loose change left near it.
Crawley, 44, of Godstow Road, Abbey Wood, London was arrested and later charged with burglary and criminal damage and remanded in custody.
He appeared before Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on December 4 where he pleaded guilty to the offences.
He was immediately sentenced to 20 weeks’ imprisonment and ordered to pay £154 to the victim.
Investigating officer, PC Tom Zsinko, said: “Burglaries and shoplifting from high street stores has a hugely detrimental impact on the wider community.
“Beyond the cost of repairs and the loss of profit to the shop owners, patrons may see rising prices as businesses try to recoup losses caused by thefts.
“For independent businesses, such incidents can make the difference between being able to continue trading or closing their doors for good. We are pleased that our officers were able to apprehend Crawley and secure immediate justice for his actions.”
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