Repeat burglar behind Canterbury shop break-in faces 4-years in jail

A repeat burglar who caused huge damage during a break-in at a shop in Canterbury has been jailed.

Scott Barham, from the city, was charged with multiple offences in November 2023 following an investigation by Kent Crime Squad.

The 38-year-old, later admitted two counts of burglary, one attempted burglary and fraud and was jailed for four years at the city’s crown court on 23 January 2024.

Investigation

Using DNA evidence, detectives showed that Barham had been behind an attempted break-in at a property in the village of Conyer, near Sittingbourne on 7 October 2023, when a window was smashed. Barham had left the scene empty-handed after a dog started barking.

Later that month, on the evening of 28 October, a car was stolen from the Forty Acres area of Canterbury.

A few hours later, the same car reversed into the front of a newsagents in nearby St Stephen’s Road. A large number of cigarette packets were stolen before the three offenders involved left the scene.

Detectives investigating the break-in found the car had later visited a petrol station on the A299. CCTV from the petrol station showed Barham getting out of the car.

Barham’s final offence also took place in Canterbury, where a house was broken into on the afternoon of 14 November. The owner returned to find cash and a bank card stolen. The card was used at a shop in the city and when a local officer viewed CCTV footage, he recognised Barham and arrested him the following day.

Jailed

Detective Constable Andrew Palmer, of Kent Crime Squad, said:

‘Burglaries like those committed by Scott Barham have a huge impact on victims and businesses, and that is why we are determined to track down repeat offenders like him and bring them to justice.

‘This week’s sentencing means Barham is now off the streets of Canterbury and will not be able to trouble residents further.’