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Sevenoaks burglar found hiding up a tree in Eynsford after high-speed police chase

16:23, 31 October 2023

A burglar was caught hiding up a tree following a high-speed police chase – aided by a stinger, drone and a search dog.

Kyle Ainsley was tracked by officers for several miles and arrested after he was found in a field in Eynsford.

Officers were spotted in the field with the two men. Picture: Phil Ward
Officers were spotted in the field with the two men. Picture: Phil Ward

Police were alerted following a series of break-ins in and around Sevenoaks on Thursday, September 28.

Ainsley, along with his accomplice Lewis Thomas, wore balaclavas and ransacked three homes, before fleeing with possessions including thousands of pounds of jewellery.

Officers located a Mercedes they had used, which was found parked in Shoreham Road.

The constables then saw a BMW speed past with the occupants’ faces covered.

It had just been stolen from an address on the same road.

Arrests were made after the chase. Picture: Phil Ward
Arrests were made after the chase. Picture: Phil Ward
Kyle Ainsley, 24, was caught hiding up a tree in a field in Eynsford. Picture: Kent Police
Kyle Ainsley, 24, was caught hiding up a tree in a field in Eynsford. Picture: Kent Police

The BMW was then pursued in a high-speed chase and a drone used to help follow the suspects’ movements.

Officers then deployed a stinger to stop the vehicle in front of shocked villagers on the school-run.

A witness at the time estimated the fleeing car had been doing 100mph before crashing into a wall as it tried to turn into Priory Lane.

Ainsley and Thomas then abandoned the stolen BMW and fled into a field.

Police dog Biggy helped with the search and Thomas was quickly detained.

Lewis Thomas, 24, pleaded guilty to burglary and theft of a motor vehicle in Sevenoaks. Picture: Kent Police
Lewis Thomas, 24, pleaded guilty to burglary and theft of a motor vehicle in Sevenoaks. Picture: Kent Police

He was spotted discarding a balaclava and gloves.

Biggy then indicated to a tree and Ainsley was seen hiding within the branches and was arrested.

Ainsley, 24, of Hampton Road, Ilford and Thomas, 24, of Milner Road, Dagenham were both charged with three counts of burglary and theft of a motor vehicle.

The pair first appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday, September 30, where they were remanded.

Yesterday (October 30), they pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and each sentenced to four years and one month imprisonment.

Police dog Biggy helped search for the two men. Picture: Kent Police
Police dog Biggy helped search for the two men. Picture: Kent Police

DC Josh Littley of the Kent Crime Squad said: “Ainsley and Thomas are both prolific and repeat offenders, who travelled into Sevenoaks with the sole intention of committing as many burglaries as possible in the space of just a few hours.

“We remain absolutely determined to deter and arrest those who commit burglary crime and I do hope that this case demonstrates the resources and tools at our disposal, to quickly identify and arrest offenders and ensure they are brought before the courts to face justice.”

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