A burglar who stole back his motorcycle after it was seized by police, using it commit a series of additional burglaries in the Gravesend area, has been jailed.

Jacob Winnett, 28, was sentenced to nine years and two months at Maidstone Crown Court on January 18, after admitting targeting properties in Gillingham, Higham, Gravesend, Shorne and Rochester, between October 2019 and February 2020. 

CCTV evidence led to a search of his home in November, 2019, during which officers seized a black and orange KTM off road motorbike used to commit previous offences. 

On December 3, while out on bail, he was seen on CCTV breaking into a vehicle recovery yard in Higham, where he took back the bike, using it continue his crime spree.

The court heard how Winnett stole various items over five months, including Rolex watches, a brand new KTM GT motorbike, a Porsche Cayman GT4 and a Jaguar XF.

He was identified as a possible suspect, leading officers to carry out a search warrant at his address on November 29, 2019, where they arrested him on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle.

Inside they found items linking him to the burglaries, including two motorbike helmets, balaclavas, a black bag containing two crow bars and gloves, multiple pairs of trainers and black tracksuits, along with the black and orange bike parked nearby.

Winnett was taken to a police station for questioning and later released by the Crown Prosecution Service, pending further enquiries.

After stealing his back KTM bike, he attempted to burgle several homes and broke into several more, accompanied by an unidentified man.

During these crimes, jewellery, cash, designer handbags and watches and an Audi RS5 were stolen.

As part of the ongoing investigation, officers carried out a second warrant at an address in Canterbury Street, Gillingham, where they seized items belonging to Winnett, as well as jewellery which matched items reported stolen in the burglaries.

They also found evidence on Winnett’s mobile phone which showed videos of the stolen Porche along with his reflection in the car’s window.

After this warrant Winnett was arrested and subsequently jailed for separate offences. He was further charged in connection with the above burglaries on May 26, 2021.

Investigating officer DC Colin Cherry from the Chief Constables Crime Squad said: "Winnett targeted large, often detached, rural premises during daylight hours stealing high performance vehicles and high value items.

"The impact of his crimes was not only financial, but affected a number of the victims mentally, making them feel unsafe in their own homes.

"Winnett continued to offend even after being initially arrested for the offences and he showed no regard whatsoever for his victims and a scant regard for the law.

"I am pleased that the court has given Winnett a substantial custodial sentence in relation to this offending and I hope that it brings some justice to the victims of his crimes.

"I hope that this sentence sends a clear message to likeminded individuals that if you commit burglaries in Kent, we will identify you, arrest you and bring you to justice."

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