Shop thief armed with crowbar charged at police officers

Response officers in New Ash Green wrestled an armed burglar to the ground after he charged at them with a crowbar.

Callum Knox and his associate Damian Smith were both carrying weapons as they forced their way into a Morrisons store wearing balaclavas.

The break-in happened during the early hours of 22 November 2024, at a premises in The Row. 

Lengthy struggle

Patrols raced to the scene after an intruder alert was triggered at 1.40am. A member of shop staff was challenging the men, when officers rushed inside.

Smith complied with police demands to surrender and dropped his crowbar and lay on the floor.

Knox attempted to escape and with a crowbar raised above his head ran towards an exit and a constable. 

He was brought to the floor but continued a violent and lengthy struggle in a bid to deflect efforts to secure him with handcuffs. Knox also attempted to snatch a taser device.

Both men were eventually successfully detained and a key was found on the floor which led to the discovery of their getaway car nearby. 

Knox, 38, of Avon Road, Southampton and Smith, 44, of Bullar Road, Southampton later pleaded guilty to burglary. Knox also admitted two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

On Thursday 13 February 2025, Knox was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court to two years and one month in prison.

Smith had breached a previous suspended sentence and was jailed for two years and 10 months.

Bravery and professionalism

Chief Inspector Mark Stubberfield said:

‘Knox was determined to escape by any means but was tackled to the ground by our responding officers, whose tenacious bravery and professionalism ensured he was disarmed and that both men have ultimately now been brought to justice. ‘Cases like this are a stark reminder of the real risks our officers face in confronting danger and conflict. 'Importantly, they also illustrate our determination to protect the public from career criminals such as Knox and Smith, whose prolific offending can have a hugely detrimental impact on the communities and businesses they target.'