A burglar from Canterbury who left his balaclava at the scene of a crime led police on a car chase before trying to scamper away on foot.

But his attempt to escape from officers was scuppered when he was found hiding behind a garden bench.

Body-worn camera shows officers chase and catch D'Age

Daniel D'Age was apprehended in Garlinge, near Ramsgate, after carrying out his third Co-op burglary in the space of four months.

The 35-year-old used a duvet to cover to conceal £10,000 worth cigarettes and tobacco as he targeted mini supermarkets across east Kent.

Co-op branches in Ash, Westgate, and Deal were all eyed up by the thief.

It was following his third burglary in Beauchamp Avenue, Deal, last August that D'Age was found to be the serial Co-op thief.

At each of the stores, the Gilbert Way resident used tools to smash his way into the buildings before making off with the stolen goods.

Witnesses gave a description of the car D'Age had left the scene in at 3am and officers found him travelling along the A256 towards Ramsgate.

Refusing to stop, police started to pursue D'Age has raced through residential with parked cars on either side.

He was chased as far as Garlinge where he got out of the car and tried to run away.

Escaping to a garden, D'Age attempted to hide behind a bench but was found by pursuing officers.

Arrested at the scene, he pleaded guilty to three charges of burglary, as well as theft and dangerous driving, at Canterbury Crown Court.

The 35-year-old was found guilty and will now serve a one-year sentence behind bars.

In his attempts to break into the Co-op stores, D'Age caused damage totalling £9,000.

He carried out his first burglary in The Street, in Ash, in April last year and left a balaclava in the shop.

He then attempted to steal from the branch in Station Road, Westgate, in August but left empty-handed when he couldn’t break open the cigarette cabinet.

Following his arrest, an examination of his car revealed number plates, which had been reported stolen, were taped over the real plates.

CCTV proved D'Age as responsible for the burglaries in Westgate and Deal, and a balaclava containing his DNA was found at the burglary in Ash.

Senior investigating officer, DS Jay Robinson, said: "D’Age caused thousands of pounds’ worth of damage during his stealing spree and his less-than-subtle approach clearly showed little concern for the mess and upset caused.

"We know how devastating burglary can be to a business and officers will always aim to identify those responsible to bring them to justice."

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