Kent Police have launched a widespread manhunt for Jacob Winnett, a criminal who has escaped from Sheppey prison. Winnett, known for his prolific burglary spree, is now unlawfully at large and believed to be in the Sheppey area, with potential links to Medway.

Winnett’s escape has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting authorities to issue urgent appeals for information regarding his whereabouts. The 17 premises targeted during his five-month crime spree serve as a stark reminder of the severity of his offences.

The prolific burglar, residing on Hyacinth Road in Rochester, was incarcerated following a string of burglaries and attempted burglaries between October 21, 2019, and February 10, 2020. Winnett’s brazen acts of breaking into homes and businesses left a trail of victims in his wake, necessitating swift action by law enforcement to bring him to justice.

Members of the public are urged to exercise caution if Winnett is sighted and to refrain from approaching him directly. Instead, individuals are encouraged to contact the police immediately by dialling 999 and quoting reference number 04-0254.

For those who wish to provide information anonymously, Crimestoppers offers a confidential reporting avenue through their hotline at 0800 555111 or via their online reporting form on their website.

The ongoing manhunt underscores the commitment of Kent Police to ensure the safety and security of the community by swiftly apprehending individuals who pose a threat to public safety. As efforts to locate Winnett intensify, cooperation from the public is paramount in facilitating his swift capture and preventing further criminal activity.

Residents in the Sheppey area and surrounding regions are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. With community support and vigilance, law enforcement remains hopeful of locating and apprehending Jacob Winnett without further incident.