A brazen burglar who targeted properties for jewellery in Tonbridge and Dartford is starting a prison sentence. Between 24 October and 2 November 2023, Patrick Moloney travelled by car into Kent with criminal associates and broke into several houses while the residents were absent. The addresses, situated on the outskirts of the towns, were ransacked and jewellery plus mobile phones and computers were stolen.

The incidents were investigated by detectives from the Kent Crime Squad, with scenes forensically examined and CCTV footage in the area reviewed. The officers identified the vehicle that was being used by the gang and it was recovered on 2 November in Wickford, Essex. They also found suspected stolen jewellery in the vehicle along with Moloney’s DNA. The investigators then proved he had been in the vicinity of the burglaries when they were committed and he was arrested on 6 December.

Moloney, of Old Maidstone Road, Sidcup, Greater London, was later charged with eight burglaries. The 21-year-old pleaded guilty to the indictments at Woolwich Crown Court and, on Thursday 27 June 2024, he was sentenced to three years and four months imprisonment.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Josh Littley, said: ‘Moloney and his partners-in-crime broke into houses without considering the impact this would have on the victims, thinking only of stealing portable property to make a quick profit. Much of the jewellery was of sentimental value and Moloney should be thoroughly ashamed of his actions.

‘Burglary is such an invasive crime and we will leave no stone unturned to track down those responsible. In this case, some diligent investigative work ensured Moloney was promptly detained and evidence was recovered to guarantee he was brought to justice.’