SITTINGBOURNE – A “reckless” burglar who risked his life and the safety of hundreds by dismantling high-voltage electricity substations has been sentenced to nearly three years behind bars.
Mark Baker, 40, posed as a legitimate workman to infiltrate critical infrastructure across east Kent, leaving a trail of destroyed safety equipment and dangerous electrical surges in his wake. Between September and December 2025, Baker’s spree targeted sites in Ashford, Canterbury, Herne Bay, and Maidstone, causing more than £220,000 in damages and business losses.
Baker operated in broad daylight, wearing high-visibility clothing and wielding specialist tools to force entry into UK Power Networks sites. His primary targets were copper earthing strips—vital components designed to safely divert excess electricity into the ground.
By removing these safety measures, Baker didn’t just steal metal; he created a lethal environment. Without earthing, the metal cabinets and fences surrounding a substation can become “live,” potentially electrocuting passers-by or utility workers. Furthermore, the loss of these components can cause massive power surges, which in this case resulted in fried appliances and electrical fires in dozens of homes in Herne Bay.
Kent Police launched a targeted probe after a break-in on Neville Road and Margate Road in November 2025. Detectives eventually tracked Baker to his home in Sittingbourne, where they recovered bolt croppers and heavy-duty metal cutters, several large industrial batteries and specialist equipment used to bypass security.
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Baker appeared at Canterbury Crown Court and pleaded guilty to multiple counts of burglary. He was sentenced to two years and nine months’ imprisonment.
Detective Sergeant Pete Frampton emphasized the gravity of the crimes:
“Baker is a reckless offender whose crimes not only posed a serious risk to personal safety but also caused huge disruption… It is right that he has received a custodial sentence.”
Lee Craddock, head of security at UK Power Networks, warned that such tampering is a gamble with life itself. “Reporting a concern could prevent a power cut, or even save a life,” he said, urging the public to remain vigilant around electrical infrastructure.