Joerg Teuchert
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A prolific burglar has been jailed after 17 premises were targeted in a five-month crime spree.
Jacob Winnett broke into 10 homes, attempted to burglarize six others and also illegally entered a business premises between October 21, 2019 and February 10, 2020.
He used motorcycles to target houses with a second person who remains unidentified.
His offenses covered properties in Gillingham, Higham, Gravesend, Shorene and Rochester and mostly took place in broad daylight.
Winnett, of Hyacinth Road, Rochester, was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court on January 18 after admitting a charge of conspiracy to commit burglary which covered all offences.
The court heard how he stole various items during the incidents, including Rolex watches, a brand new KTM GT motorcycle, a Porsche Cayman GT4 and a Jaguar XF. Other items stolen include a safe and cash.
He was sentenced to nine years and two months in prison after admitting his role in these crimes.
As part of the investigation, officers secured a large amount of CCTV and Winnett was identified as a possible suspect.
Based on those investigations, the force executed a search warrant at his address in November 2019 and the 28-year-old was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle.
Officers searched the property and found items linking him to the incidents, including two motorcycle helmets, four balaclavas, a black bag containing two crowbars and four gloves, several pairs of sneakers, black tracksuits and an all-terrain motorcycle. black and orange KTM lot that was parked in the back of a van owned by Winnett.
All of these items were used by the suspects in the burglaries.
Following the warrant, Winnett was taken to a police station for questioning, then released pending further investigations.
He then committed another burglary where he was seen on CCTV breaking into a vehicle salvage yard in Higham where he found the black and orange motorbike which had been seized during the search warrant by officers.
Following this, he used the motorcycle to continue his crime spree, and together with an unidentified man, they both attempted to rob several houses and break into several others.
“He showed no respect for his victims and a little respect for the law…”
During these incidents, jewelry, cash, designer handbags and watches and an Audi RS5 were stolen.
As part of the ongoing investigation, officers executed a second warrant at an address in Canterbury Street, Gillingham, where they seized items belonging to Winnett as well as jewelery matching items reported stolen in the break-ins.
They also found evidence on Winnett’s cellphone that showed videos of the Porch being stolen as well as its reflection in the car window.
After this term, he was arrested and later imprisoned for the separate offences. He was further charged in connection with the above burglaries on May 26, 2021.
DC Investigator Colin Cherry said: “Winnett targeted large, often isolated, rural premises during the day, stealing high-performance vehicles and high-value items.
“The impact of his crimes was not just financial, but mentally affected a number of victims, making them feel unsafe in their own homes.
“Winnett continued to offend even after he was initially arrested for the offenses and he showed no respect for his victims and a little respect for the law.
“I am pleased that the court has awarded Winnett a substantial custodial sentence for this offense and I hope it brings justice to the victims of his crimes.
“I hope this sentence sends a clear message to like-minded people that if you commit burglary in Kent we will identify you, arrest you and bring you to justice.”
