A shop burglar has been jailed after crashing into a police car following a high-speed chase through red lights and down one-way streets.

Jake Simms damaged a window and stole cash from the Co-op in Pound Road, East Peckham, Tonbridge before fleeing.

At 11.40pm on June 23, 2023, the 29-year-old travelled to the shop with an accomplice and the pair forced their way into the premises.

They stole two cash boxes before fleeing the scene and heading towards London in a Toyota Prius.

The car was driven at excess speeds, through red traffic signals, and in the wrong direction through one-way streets.

It was pursued through south-east London and came to a halt near the River Thames in east London after colliding with a police vehicle. Simms was detained in the driver’s seat.

A bag containing a long screwdriver, gloves and a hammer that had been discarded from the vehicle during the pursuit was later recovered by a police dog handler.

Simms, of Long Lane, Southwark, Greater London was later charged with burglary, dangerous driving, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

On Tuesday (January 23) he pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to two years' imprisonment. This included the activation of a suspended sentence.

Simms will be disqualified from driving for two years on his release from prison and will be required to take an extended driving test.

Detective constable Andrew Palmer, of the Kent Crime Squad, said: “Simms and his accomplice thought targeting a rural supermarket outside the capital city reduced the chances of being caught.

“Their confidence was misplaced and some quick investigation ensured their getaway vehicle was identified and he was ultimately tracked down by patrols as he sped home.

“Simms’ disregard for the safety of other road users was reprehensible...”

“Simms’ disregard for the safety of other road users was reprehensible and it is entirely appropriate that he has been jailed.

“I would like to thank the members of the public who alerted us when they saw the burglary taking place and this ensured his prompt arrest and the recovery of evidence vital to his conviction”.