Night Burglar’s Spree Ends with Jail
John Schock went on an overnight robbery rampage for over two months. A sharp-eyed local cop finally caught him on CCTV and cracked the case wide open.
Break-Ins and Bold Thefts
On 20 October 2022, Schock smashed the front door of a house in Court Crescent, Swanley, nicking cash and other valuables. At the same time, he raided a nearby home and tried to break into two more properties on the same street.
One of his targets had a Vauxhall car outside. Using the owner’s keys he had stolen, Schock swiped the vehicle. The abandoned car was later found, and forensic tests revealed his DNA all over the gear stick.
The very next day, he hit a house on Goldsel Road, Swanley, stealing laptops and other gadgets.
Caught on Camera, Locked Up for Good
Cops recognised Schock from CCTV footage at several scenes. He was arrested on 27 October but caused trouble in custody, smashing a light fitting while getting medical treatment in hospital.
Further investigation linked him to an attempted burglary in Orpington, Greater London. He also drove a stolen Peugeot from Orpington to Swanley, where he helped himself to meat from a supermarket.
Jail Sentence for Crime Spree
Schock, homeless and with no fixed address, faced charges including three burglaries, attempted burglaries, vehicle theft, handling stolen cars, shoplifting, criminal damage, and three counts of driving while disqualified.
He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was jailed for three years on 12 April 2023. The 33-year-old’s criminal run has finally been stopped cold.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Celia King said: “Schock invaded residents’ homes during the hours of darkness while some were asleep. This type of crime can have a devastating impact on victims who no longer feel safe in their own homes.
“Fortunately, Schock is known to local officers and once he was recognised on CCTV, it was only a matter of time before he was tracked down and brought to justice.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
