A burglar who targeted two residential properties in Canterbury in just over 24 hours has been jailed. James Henson, 34, admitted to carrying out the crimes in January 2026.
Shortly after 1pm on 4 January, the offender forced his way into a property in St. Mary’s Street. He fled the scene at haste after being challenged by an occupant. The following day, at around 4pm, he broke into an address in London Road. Henson stole bank cards and credit cards, a mobile phone and other personal items.
Officers attended and completed enquiries, leading to the burglar’s swift arrest on 6 January. A number of stolen goods were recovered, including a laptop belonging to one of his victims. Henson, from Canterbury was charged the next day. He pleaded guilty before Canterbury Crown Court to two counts of burglary and handling stolen goods. On 11 March, at the same court, Henson was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.
Detective Constable Daniel Moles said:
‘Henson’s crimes had a significant impact on his victims and I am pleased that he is now behind bars. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their homes and the custodial sentence that Henson has received reflects the severity of his actions. It also serves to safeguard other potential victims from his offending. We are committed to tackling offences of this nature and when incidents are reported to us, we always strive to identify the perpetrators swiftly and bring them before the courts.’