Two burglars have been tracked down and arrested by pursuing police officers just minutes after stealing cars from a driveway in Swanley.
Patrols followed the men along the M25 and arrested them after a high-speed chase into Essex.
Police were called at 12.55am on 12th February 2025, to a break-in at a property near Goldsel Road, Swanley.
Jewellery, a wallet and a high value watch were among items stolen, along with car keys to an Audi and Mazda parked outside.
Officers quickly identified the stolen Mazda, which was headed towards the Dartford River Crossing. The vehicle was driven by Liam Madgwick and after it emerged from the Dartford tunnel it was pursued into Purfleet, Essex.
Madgwick drove at speeds of up to 85mph in a 30mph zone and through a red traffic signal. After suddenly coming to a dead-end he was successfully detained at 1.09am, 14 minutes after the initial call had been made to police.
A Vauxhall seen travelling in convoy with the stolen Mazda was also followed, by a lone female police officer into Barking. She blocked the car after it pulled into a petrol station and then arrested Michael Allison and another man. Items stolen during the burglary were seized from the vehicle.
Although the stolen Audi was never recovered, an investigation led to convictions against three offenders.
Allison, 21, of Kingswood Road, Ilford pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to burglary and theft offences. On 24th November, he was sentenced to two years and four months’ imprisonment.
Madgwick, 18, of Valence Circus, Dagenham pleaded guilty to the same offences, as well as charges relating to dangerous driving and having no licence or insurance. He was sentenced to 16 months at a young offender institution.
Kian O’Conner, 20, of Romford Road, Aveley, South Ockendon, who handed himself into a police station the day after the burglary, was also jailed. He admitted burglary and two counts of vehicle theft and was sentenced to 18 months at a young offender institution.
Detective Constable Rosie Acton said ‘Burglary and car thefts cause huge upset and anxiety to victims and often have a lasting impact on people’s lives. These crimes don’t just result in financial loss—they take away people’s sense of security in their own homes and can leave entire communities feeling vulnerable. We are relentless in targeting those who travel to our neighbourhoods with the sole intention of committing crime, and this case illustrates the determination and speed of our officers to bring offenders to justice.’
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