Dramatic footage shows moment armed police make arrests in Sittingbourne after burglary in Lauren Van Der Post Way, Ashford
Published: 13:25, 22 March 2024
Dramatic footage shows the moment armed police arrested four people after jewellery, cash and designer clothing were stolen during a burglary.
Jack Grindley, 21, and Leon Melson, 20, have been jailed after they broke into the property in Lauren Van Der Post Way in Ashford in July.
A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named due to his age, also entered the property while Ella Steadman, 22, waited outside the address.
Furniture was damaged and threats were made to the victim - who was known to Grindley, Melson and Steadman.
The victim fled the scene but returned later to find jewellery, cash and designer clothing missing.
Police tracked the car the offenders were travelling in to Sittingbourne, where the vehicle was stopped.
The four occupants were arrested at the scene and later charged.
Grindley, of Bowens Field, pleaded guilty to burglary and affray and was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Wednesday to a year and ten months’ imprisonment.
The same sentence was imposed on Melson, of Tennyson Road, who also pleaded guilty to burglary and affray.
Steadman, of Bowens Field, pleaded guilty to burglary and affray and was given a 16-month suspended sentence.
The teenager, who pleaded guilty to affray and handling stolen goods, received a community order.
PC Damien Dixon, of East Kent CID, said: “The offenders subjected their victim to a frightening ordeal before stealing from him in his home. A swift response from officers meant that they were stopped in their tracks.
“I would like to extend our gratitude to the witnesses in the vicinity who reported the crime in progress, and insodoing, supported the quick detention of the offenders, preventing them from causing further harm.”
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Liane Castle