Maidstone charity shop thief jailed after hiding overnight to steal £500
Danny Crawley was swiftly apprehended within 48 hours of committing the crime
A thief who targeted a charity shop in Maidstone has been jailed just 48 hours after committing the crime.
The break-in at the High Street store was reported to Kent Police on the morning of 4th February 2026.
CCTV footage enabled officers to quickly identify the suspect.
The perpetrator, Danny Crawley, hid in the shop as it closed on 3rd February before stealing over £500 from the safe.
Police collaborated with intelligence units and other partners to swiftly locate and arrest Crawley at an address in Maidstone, just three hours after the crime was reported.
Crawley, 44, from Godstow Road, Abbey Wood in London, was also found to be in breach of a restraining order by being at the address.
Charged later that day, Crawley appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court on 5th February where he pleaded guilty.
He was sentenced to 35 weeks behind bars and ordered to pay £500 in compensation.
Inspector Steve Kent from the Maidstone Community Safety Unit highlighted the significance of the rapid police response.
Kent said: "Officers utilised their strong local knowledge to quickly identify and arrest Crawley."
He added that crimes like this significantly impact both businesses and the wider community, underscoring the importance of beat officers in maintaining safety and deterring crime.
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