A burglar has been jailed after his distinctive neon T-shirt, spotted while he was eating in a chip shop, proved crucial in his capture.
James Wall, 20, stole luxury items including Gucci and Cartier watches, a diamond ring, and a quantity of foreign currency during a burglary at a home in Southborough, Tunbridge Wells. The incident occurred at approximately 5.45pm on December 13, Kent Police confirmed.
Officers were called to the scene after Wall verbally abused a witness who had challenged his presence in the area. The 20-year-old subsequently fled in a silver Vauxhall Insignia.
However, within an hour, police patrols successfully located the vehicle travelling anticlockwise on the M25, between Junctions 3 and 2, leading to his swift apprehension.
The car was seen to be driven dangerously, reaching speeds of almost 100mph along the hard shoulder, before it was brought to a stop near a slip road on the A2 near Wilmington, where the driver had attempted to travel the wrong way on the carriageway, Kent Police said.
A 38-year-old man was arrested at the scene in connection with driving offences. He has been released pending further investigation.
A dog handler was deployed to locate Wall, who was recognised due to his neon-coloured T-shirt.
He was arrested inside a chip shop near Bexley, where police found him eating a portion of fish and chips while waiting for staff behind the counter to charge his phone.
The device was seized and digital forensic analysis placed Wall at the scene of the burglary, the force added.
Officers from the roads policing unit had found two jewellery boxes, two false vehicle registration plates and a jewellery cleaning cloth inside the abandoned car.
Wall, of Beverston Gardens in Bristol, Somerset, pleaded guilty to burglary at Maidstone Crown Court and on Wednesday was sentenced to two years’ in prison.
Detective Constable Celia King said: “Despite being confronted with a plethora of evidence proving he was responsible for the burglary, Wall initially refused to accept liability and laughed while watching footage from the pursuit.
“The judge took into consideration the high levels of planning involved in the burglary.
“As a result, Wall was handed an immediate custodial sentence.”
