A burglar who targeted a Gillingham home while the occupants were in bed is starting a prison sentence.
In the early hours of 31 May 2022, Michael Williams went to an address near Watling Street and broke into the premises.
He stole property including computer tablets, phones, wallets, bank cards and a handbag before leaving the scene.
When the victims discovered they had been burgled the police were alerted and an investigation was launched.
CCTV images
Officers examined CCTV footage in the area and recovered images of Williams in the vicinity of the break-in.
He was seen to place the stolen handbag in a bin and also returning home in possession of the victims’ phone and a laptop computer.
Further enquiries identified Williams tried unsuccessfully to withdraw £250 in cash from an ATM using one of the stolen bank cards.
Williams, of Napier Road, Gillingham was identified by local officers who viewed the footage, and was arrested on 1 June.
A camcorder that had been stolen in the break-in was recovered at the rear of Williams’ home address and he was charged with burglary and fraud.
Guilty
He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and on Thursday 30 June 2022, the 44-year-old was jailed for four years and seven months. The sentence included one year and three months for breaching a suspended sentence and Williams will have to serve half the jail term before being considered for release on licence.
Detective Constable Dan Bister, of the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad, said: ‘Williams is a prolific offender who disgracefully crept into a property while the occupants were asleep.
‘Burglary is an appalling crime that can leave victims feeling violated and unsafe in their own home. Williams should be ashamed of his actions and I hope his victims can begin to move on now that he is behind bars.’