A Sevenoaks burglar who drove dangerously in a failed attempt to avoid arrest has been jailed for more than seven years.
On 14 November 2022, Shaquille Campbell went to an address in Breething Road, Dunton Green while the owners were away and broke in. Once inside he stole jewellery, cash and designer clothing following an untidy search.
On the following day, Campbell was driving a BMW in Wested Lane, Crockenhill when a patrol spotted the vehicle and requested him to stop. Campbell failed to stop and continued at an excessive speed, driving on the wrong side of the road and colliding with another car.
He was arrested and officers seized a pair of trainers he was wearing that had been stolen during the break-in at Dunton Green.
Investigators from the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad identified that Campbell had also committed burglaries between 21 September and 5 November in Cheam, Surrey; Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire and Twickenham, London. At the latter address he had also robbed the occupants.
Further enquiries by detectives led to the recovery of some of the property stolen from the Rickmansworth burglary at a pawn shop in Shepherd’s Bush.
Campbell, formerly of Ilford, Essex, was charged and later pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to three counts of burglary, one count of robbery, a theft and dangerous driving.
On Tuesday 17 January 2023, Campbell, aged 26, was sentenced to seven years and eight months’ imprisonment. He will also be disqualified from driving for 18 months on his release and until he has passed a re-test.
Investigating officer, DC Celia King, said: ‘Campbell is a prolific criminal who stole high value cars and designer clothing during burglaries, turning violent when disturbed by some of his victims. His driving when seeking to evade arrest put other road users at considerable risk of harm and he deserves to be in jail.’