Burglar Jailed For Co-op Teynham Break-In

A burglar, whose group caused thousands of pounds’ worth of damage during four hours of thefts and break-ins, has been jailed.

Liam Scott and two others stole a Land Rover from an address in Faversham shortly before 2am on Saturday 30th December 2023.

Around half an hour later, the same vehicle was driven into the clubhouse of a caravan park in Seasalter, Whitstable.

The group attempted to drag a cash machine from the building, but a strop they had attached to the towbar snapped. Instead, they stole alcohol and a cigarette machine from the premises before driving off.

Shortly after 5am that morning, the Land Rover was then used to damage the doors of a supermarket in Teynham. Tills containing a large amount of cash were stolen and the building was left with considerable damage.

Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate investigated and linked the vehicle to the theft of fuel at a petrol station on the A299 in Thanet on the same night.

Examination of the CCTV footage from the petrol station led to Liam Scott being identified as a man seen filling up the vehicle with fuel.

He was arrested at his home in Faversham on Friday 5th January and later charged with two counts of burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and making off without payment.

The 24-year-old, of Lower Road, admitted those charges at Canterbury Crown Court last Monday (5th February) and was jailed for 31 months at the same court on Friday (9th February).

Detective Constable Aaron Chapman, Kent Police's investigating officer, told SFM News: "Scott's reckless behaviour on the night of these offences caused huge damage and loss to the vehicle owner and the businesses involved. I am pleased our swift investigation has seen him identified as a suspect, arrested, charged and now jailed less than six weeks after the offences took place. I hope the case sends out a message to anyone considering such criminal activity: We will track you down and hold you accountable for your action".