Ashford burglar jailed just 72 hours after break-in

A thief from Ashford has been arrested, charged, and sentenced to jail in less than three days.

On Saturday 17 January at midday, Daniel Hilden, 43, drove to a business in Ashford. CCTV captured him breaking a padlock, entering a business premises, and then driving away. A few hours later, Hilden returned and forced entry into a locked storage cage where he removed several gas canisters before fleeing the scene.

Hilden returned a final time on Sunday 18 January at around 6pm, stealing further gas canisters from the same secure storage area. In total, Hilden stole almost £1,000 worth of property.

On the morning of Monday 19 January, a Neighbourhood Policing officer reviewed the CCTV and immediately identified Hilden. By 10.15am, officers had arrested him outside his home address. That same evening, he was charged with burglary.

Hilden, of Steddy Close, Ashford, appeared at Margate Magistrates’ Court the next morning where he pleaded guilty and was immediately sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment.

A 17 year old alleged accomplice was also arrested in connection with the incident and is due to appear before Folkestone Youth Court on 3 February.

Detective Inspector Simon Johnson said:

‘Thanks to the strong local knowledge of our officers, we have been able to rapidly bring this burglar to justice. ‘This case shows the importance of neighbourhood police officers, who know their patch and can take action against offenders to protect businesses and residents.’