Chatham delivery van thief jailed within a day

A thief who stole a delivery van in Chatham has appeared in court and been jailed within 24 hours.

Its driver was delivering a package in Bank Street at 11.50am on Tuesday 18 August 2026 when Keenan Fairclough stole the vehicle.

The van was spotted by officers just 10 minutes after the call came in. Following a 4 and a half mile pursuit, which saw the 25 year old drive the wrong way, ignore no entry signs and clip two vehicles, officers arrested him in Victoria Street, Maidstone.

Fairclough, of Pier Road, Gillingham, was charged on the following day with theft and several driving offences including dangerous driving.

He was also charged in relation to two previous shoplifting incidents in Chatham. On Friday 7 August, Fairclough stole £240 of clothing from a Pentagon Centre store which was recovered shortly afterward.

On Tuesday 11 August, he took two milkshakes and some confectionary from a shop in Medway Street. He punched an employee in the face after being challenged, causing cuts and swelling to his mouth.

Court

Fairclough appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 19 August where he pleaded guilty to all offences.

He was given a 12 month prison sentence and, upon his release, will be disqualified from driving for 2 years. He will be required to complete an extended re-test when eligible.

Police Sergeant Jason Francis said:

‘This case highlights the excellent proactive work we achieve through on the street patrols and rapid camera reviews. ‘Our quick arrest and evidence capture enabled us to put together enough evidence that he had no choice but to plead guilty. We are satisfied we have been able to bring him to justice so swiftly and that he will spend time behind bars.’