Bungling watch burglar caught after wearing distinctive T-shirt to chip shop
A thief has been jailed after his distinctive neon T-shirt, seen eating at a chip shop, proved crucial to his capture.
James Wall, 20, stole luxury items including Gucci and Cartier watches, a diamond ring and some foreign currency during a burglary at a house in Southborough, Tunbridge Wells. Kent Police confirmed the incident occurred at around 5.45pm on December 13.
Police officers were called to the scene after Wall verbally abused a witness who objected to his presence in the area. The 20-year-old then fled in a silver Vauxhall Insignia.
However, within the hour police patrols successfully spotted the vehicle traveling counter-clockwise on the M25 between Junctions 3 and 2, leading to its rapid capture.
Kent Police said the car was seen being driven dangerously and reaching speeds of almost 100mph along the hard shoulder before being stopped near a slip road on the A2 near Wilmington where the driver tried to go the wrong way on the carriageway.
A 38-year-old man was arrested at the scene in connection with traffic offences. He was released pending further investigation.
A dog walker was assigned to locate Wall, who is known for his neon-colored T-shirt.
He was arrested at a chip shop near Bexley; where police found him eating a piece of fish and chips while waiting for staff behind the counter to charge his phone.
The device was seized and digital forensic analysis identified Wall at the scene of the burglary, police said.
Road police officers found two jewelery boxes, two fake number plates and a jewelery cleaning cloth inside the abandoned car.
Wall, of Beverston Gardens in Bristol, Somerset, pleaded guilty to burglary at Maidstone Crown Court and was jailed for two years on Wednesday.
Detective Constable Celia King said: “Despite being faced with a wealth of evidence proving he was responsible for the burglary, Wall initially refused to accept responsibility and laughed as he watched the chase footage.
“The judge took into account the high level of planning involved in the burglary.
“As a result, Wall was given an immediate prison sentence.”
