Burglars who pawned stolen jewellery jailed for thefts in west Kent

Two burglars who stole cars and pawned sentimental jewellery items from homes in Sevenoaks and Tonbridge have been jailed.

Lorenzo King and Ricky Rixon stole cars and jewellery from properties and later sold the valuables – including a ring given to a victim by her late husband - to a pawnbroker for scrap metal. The ring has since been recovered.

Between 9 October 2023 and 8 January 2024, Rixon and King smashed their way into the properties via rear patio doors and carried out untidy searches, before leaving the scene.

On three occasions, car keys were stolen alongside their respective vehicles and on four occasions, jewellery was taken.

Among the items taken was a Seat Ibiza, which was used in a subsequent burglary.

Rixon, 39, of Spindle Mews in Orpington, London, was arrested after proactive patrols spotted the stolen vehicle in Paddock Wood and forensically linked it to him.

A subsequent search of his person led to the seizure of a mobile device and analysis of data led to the arrest of 36 year old King, of Beckenham Road in Beckenham, London.

CCTV footage recovered from one of the victims confirmed King’s identity and presence at the scene alongside retrieval of a distinctive Nike tracksuit.

A thorough investigation led detectives to retrieve a haul of irrefutable evidence. This included CCTV and financial records proving the men had used false names to sell a large quantity of the stolen jewellery to a London pawn brokers for scrap. They received £7,405 for this transaction.

A financial analysis undertaken as part of the investigation exposed the crooks had each pocketed tens of thousands of pounds during the period of offending; most of which is believed to have been acquired by selling the stolen goods.

The men were charged and later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary and laundering criminal property.

Rixon and King were each sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday 4 December 2025 to five years and four months’ imprisonment.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Celia King, said:

‘Rixon and King smashed their way into homes, leaving their victims feeling frightened and vulnerable, before unscrupulously selling their sentimental items as scrap metal. ‘The offenders went to great lengths to avoid detection by using face coverings and false registration plates on mission vehicles. ‘We are grateful to the victims for their fast thinking in reporting the offences and for their unwavering support as officers worked to gather indisputable evidence that ultimately led to Rixon and King’s conviction.’