An opportunist burglar has been jailed for a total of 3 years after leaving his fingerprints during a Maidstone break-in.
On the 4th of September, 2023, Sean McFetridge was in East Farleigh, where he noticed an open front door of a house. He swiftly made his way inside but was interrupted by a resident who had been upstairs. In an attempt to explain his presence, McFetridge claimed he was looking for a glass of water due to thirst, and promptly left when asked to do so.
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Shortly after the resident discovered that a laptop, some jewellery, and keys were missing and the Kent Crime Squad was alerted and began an investigation. Forensic experts from the Crime Scene Investigation team were able to retrieve McFetridge’s fingerprints from a socket where the stolen laptop had been charging.
McFetridge from Coxheath, admitted his guilt at Maidstone Crown Court and on the 16th of May, 2024, the 41-year-old was handed a three-year prison sentence, which included the activation of a previously suspended sentence.
Detective Constable Josh Littley, the officer in charge of the investigation, stated:
‘Burglary is a heinous act that leaves victims feeling invaded and insecure in their own homes. This perpetrator showed no regard for the consequences of his actions, focusing solely on the quick profit he could make from stealing easily transportable items. Thanks to a swift investigation and thorough forensic analysis, this man was arrested within days and is now serving his sentence in prison.’