Notorious Burglar Busted After Smash-and-Grab Spree in Gravesend
Keiron Butler’s crime blitz came to a crashing halt after breaking into five properties in Shorne in just 10 hours. The thief smashed sheds, garages, and ripped through the neighbourhood overnight from Sunday 4 May to Monday 5 May 2025.
£6,500 Stolen in Power Tools and Garden Gear Heist
Butler didn’t just smash windows—he made off with a huge haul including power tools, gardening equipment, and a ride-on lawnmower worth over £6,500. His rampage left a trail of damage and chaos across Gravesend.
Dramatic Police Chase Ends With Arrest
Butler’s luck ran out two days later on Wednesday 7 May. Police caught him running a red light on Valley Drive. He took off in a reckless police chase but was forced to stop on Windsor Road where officers pinned him down.
Using GPS data from Butler’s electronic tag, cops linked him directly to the Shorne burglaries. The 32-year-old from Wye Road, Gravesend pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to five counts of burglary, two counts of criminal damage, theft, and dangerous driving.
Two Years and Four Months Inside Plus Driving Ban
On Tuesday 20 January 2026, Butler was sentenced to 28 months behind bars. He also received a two-year driving ban for his reckless getaway.
Investigating officer PC Patrycja Kaczmarek said: “Butler carried out a blatant spate of burglaries, causing damage to property in the process, with no consideration of the impact on his victims. His driving whilst making off from police was appalling and endangered other road users, and a custodial sentence for the prolific offender is entirely justified.”
