Two convicted after breaking into a New Ash Green store

Two burglars have been remanded in custody after pleading guilty to breaking into a store in New Ash Green with crowbars.

Patrols arrived on the scene within minutes of a 999 call to arrest Callum Knox and Damien Smith, who were then convicted at court on the following day.

Kent Police was called just before 2.20am on Friday 22 November 2024 to a report of a break-in at Morrisons Daily in The Row.

Knox and Smith had made an earlier attempt to enter the rear of the store using crowbars at around 1.40am and had returned a second time to enter via the front door. They attempted to take cigarettes from a locked cabinet during the incident.

Patrols attended the scene moments after the incident was reported and arrested the offenders. Knox assaulted a constable with a crowbar in an attempt to evade capture and the officer was taken to hospital for treatment to their injuries.

Charged

Knox, 38, of Avon Road, Southampton, Hampshire, and Smith, 44, of Bullar Road, Southampton, Hampshire, were charged with burglary and admitted to the crime at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 23 November 2024.

Knox also pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker.

Both men are due to appear before Maidstone Crown Court for a sentencing hearing at a date yet to be confirmed.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Joanna Slevin, said:

‘Knox and Smith acted without care and caused considerable damage to the premises in their efforts to gain entry and steal from the business. ‘Furthermore, Knox demonstrated a propensity for violence after striking a police officer with a crowbar in a bid to evade detention. ‘I hope the swift justice achieved by Kent Police serves as yet another reminder to would-be perpetrators that crime does not pay.’