Gucci watch thief caught eating fish and chips after 100mph escape | UK | News
A Gucci watch thief was caught eating fish and chips after fleeing the scene at 100mph. Kent Police said James Wall stole Gucci and Cartier watches, a diamond ring and currency during a break-in in Tunbridge Wells at around 5.45pm on December 13.
Police were alerted to reports that Wall was verbally abusive to a witness who questioned why he was in the area shortly after the incident. The 20-year-old was later driven away from his home in Southborough in a silver Vauxhall Insignia. Within an hour patrols located the vehicle between Junctions 3 and 2 of the M25.
Police said the car was seen approaching speeds of nearly 100 mph along the hard shoulder. The driver tried to go the wrong way on the carriageway near a slip road on the A2 near Wilmington, where he was stopped.
A 38-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of traffic offences. He has since been released pending further investigation.
However, a dog handler had to be assigned to locate Wall. It was found at a chip shop near Bexley, about two miles from Wilmington.
He was arrested inside the restaurant, where he was identified by his neon shirt, while he was eating a portion of fish and chips behind the counter while waiting for staff to charge his phone.
After the phone was seized and examined, digital forensic analysis determined Wall was at the scene of the burglary. Officers also found two jewelry boxes, two fake license plates and a jewelry cleaning cloth inside the abandoned car.
Detective Constable Celia King, the investigating officer, 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.
DC King added: “The judge took into account the high level of planning involved in the burglary. As a result Wall was given an immediate prison sentence.”
Wall, of Beverston Gardens in Bristol, Somerset, pleaded guilty to burglary at Maidstone Crown Court on January 12, 2026. He was sentenced to two years in prison on March 25.
