Suspected Herne Bay burglar put before court in under 24 hours

A suspected burglar has been arrested, charged and brought before court in less than 24 hours.

Kent Police received an emergency call at around 11.30am on Monday 12 January 2026 from a woman alleging that an unknown male had smashed a window and was trying to get into her property.

Officers arrived at the scene, a residential property in Herne Bay, within just four minutes of the call coming in. However, the suspect had already left the scene when patrols arrived.

Arrested

Officers were flagged down by members of the public who pointed them in the direction that the man was last seen, and he was promptly arrested. Two screwdrivers were also seized from the scene.

CCTV was quickly obtained as well as eyewitness statements. The suspect was remanded in custody and was later charged with four offences including burglary and going equipped for theft.

Clifford Airey, 61, of Craddock Road, Canterbury, appeared before Folkestone Magistrates’ Court the next morning at 10am.

He has since been remanded in custody by the court and will appear next before Canterbury Crown Court on 16 February 2026.