Home Folkestone News Article
Burglar is jailed after breaking into Folkestone and Medway businesses
08:43, 13 October 2020
updated: 09:22, 13 October 2020
This is the moment a serial burglar was caught in the act.
Thief Tony Jackson, 51, stole cash and tools from five businesses in Folkestone , Sittingbourne and Medway during a three-month crime spree.
CCTV shows Jackson breaking into the business in Rochester on February 21
He caused thousands of pounds of damage to the buildings but still denied his crimes after he was arrested.
Security cameras recorded him breaking into a business in Shearway Business Park, Folkestone, at around 7pm on December 6 last year.
He was seen breaking glass panels and entering an office before he stole a large quantity of cash from inside a drawer.
A few weeks later, on December 28, he broke into a business in Caesar’s Way, Folkestone, where he gained entry through a window and went on to steal a large quantity of cash from a safe.
Then, on February 15 and between 6.15am and 7pm, Jackson targeted two businesses in Bingham Road, Sittingbourne, where on both occasions he gained entry by breaking the front doors.
He stole a drill from one business and money from the second business.
And on February 21, CCTV recorded Jackson breaking into a business at around 3.39am in Maidstone Road, Rochester , where he stole a drill, money and a ladder.
Police carried out various enquiries into the incidents and reviewed CCTV which showed Jackson as being responsible.
Vehicle checks also linked Jackson to the areas at the time of the offences.
He was arrested on February 25 and subsequently charged with the offences .
During a search of his address officers found his car which had been in the area at the time of some of the crimes.
Orange high visibility jackets were also recovered which were the same type as a jacket he was seen wearing during the Rochester burglary.
He had denied five charges of burglary, however a jury at Canterbury Crown Court found him guilty on Friday (October 9) following a trial.
Jackson, of Redbridge Close, Chatham, was sentenced to three years and 10 months.
Det Con Nicola Emery said: "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 in order 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."
