A man who used a machete to terrorise victims during a series of violent robberies in Cranbrook has been sentenced to over four years in prison.
Cameron Jeffrey, 21, targeted vulnerable individuals, including teenagers and an elderly man, in a spate of robberies on the evening of 4 August 2024. His victims were subjected to threats of violence and weapons held close to their faces, leaving them in fear for their lives.
Series of Robberies
The attacks began when Jeffrey, often wearing a balaclava, and an associate drove around Cranbrook in search of victims.
- Teenagers Targeted: Three teenage boys were threatened as they sat on a bench near Cranbrook High Street. Jeffrey and his accomplice demanded their possessions at knifepoint, holding a blade to one boy’s face.
- Couple Threatened in Their Car: An 18-year-old man and his girlfriend, parked near Headcorn Road, Staplehurst, were confronted when Jeffrey forced open the car door and pressed a machete to the man’s throat, demanding his wallet. After stealing a bag from the back seat, Jeffrey returned moments later, smashing the car’s windscreen with the machete when the wallet was not found. The victim managed to escape by driving away at speed.
Arrest and Conviction
Jeffrey was arrested on 6 August after police tracked a stolen mobile phone to his home near Cranbrook Road, Hawkhurst. During a search, officers found Jeffrey hiding under a bed and recovered several stolen items.
In addition to the robberies, Jeffrey was charged with the theft of a vehicle on 9 July. He had persuaded an elderly man to allow him to test drive the car, only to steal it. The vehicle was later found abandoned after a collision.
Jeffrey pleaded guilty to multiple counts of robbery, possessing a knife in a public place, and theft of a vehicle. On 12 December, Maidstone Crown Court sentenced him to four years and eight months in prison.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Andy Julier, who led the investigation, said:
*”Jeffrey preyed upon anyone he thought would be easy pickings, including the young and elderly. His many victims endured terrifying ordeals and were left in genuine fear for their lives.
“He is a prolific, opportunistic, and violent offender who thinks nothing of brandishing weapons on our streets. I hope his prison sentence provides some reassurance to those affected by his crimes and the wider community.”*
Impact of the Crimes
The case underscores the serious and lasting impact of violent street crime on victims. Police continue to urge anyone witnessing or experiencing such incidents to report them immediately.
