A prolific thief who targeted multiple homes across Medway has been sentenced to prison after his movements were undone by a tracking device installed in his getaway vehicle. Gavin Lawless carried out a string of break-ins throughout January 2026, hitting private properties in Rainham, Cliffe, Rochester, and Gillingham.
The 47-year-old utilized a consistent method for his crimes, shattering rear windows with stones or bricks to gain access to door locks. Once inside, Lawless systematically searched the homes for high-value items, focusing primarily on cash and jewellery. For his initial offences, he drove a Jeep Avenger hired by an associate, unaware that the rental company had equipped the vehicle with a GPS tracker that recorded his every move.
His spree continued on January 21, when he used a Vauxhall Corsa to commit three separate burglaries in a single day. However, his luck ran out later that evening when officers intercepted him in the Corsa and discovered stolen jewellery hidden inside the car.
Following his arrest, investigators used the data from the Jeep’s tracking system to link Lawless to the earlier crime scenes. Further evidence was secured through CCTV footage of the Corsa and a search of his home on Fourth Avenue, where officers recovered clothing that perfectly matched the attire worn by the suspect during the break-ins.
Lawless appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on February 20, where he pleaded guilty to five counts of burglary. On Thursday, April 9, a judge sentenced him to three years and nine months in prison.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Dan Bister said:
‘This man committed a series of crimes that left his victims feeling unsafe in their own homes. Burglary is a despicable offence and Lawless caused considerable damage before stealing items of emotional value to the victims. His brazen crime spree ended abruptly, thanks to proactive policing and a thorough investigation. I hope those he targeted can move on now he is safely behind bars.’