CCTV images show the moment “cowardly” burglars stormed into a home brandishing machetes – leaving their victims fearing for their lives.
Thugs broke into the property in Hawkinge, near Folkestone, wearing balaclavas and boiler suits in a raid masterminded by another man.
The burglars threatened the residents with their weapons and demanded items, including watches and clocks. Picture: Kent Police
Kent Police was called to the incident near Corbett Road at 10.18pm on November 3, 2024.
The victims, who were at home at the time, had been alerted to a loud noise and, upon investigating, came face to face with the masked offenders who had forced their way inside.
The burglars threatened the terrified residents with weapons and demanded that items, including watches and clocks, were handed over to them. They then fled the scene.
Police arrived at the scene and discovered the criminals had fled in a white Audi. Detectives later tracked the men down using CCTV and witness statements.
Darren Butler, 36, and Callum Elliot, 23, were promptly detained on November 4 and 5, respectively. They were each charged two days after their arrests.
Darren Butler was jailed for eight years and seven months. Picture: Kent Police
During the ongoing investigation, further evidence came to light which connected William Webb, 34, to the crime. Following examination of mobile phone data, it was found that Webb had planned the burglary through extensive research and preparation.
Webb, formerly of Stone Street, Canterbury, was arrested on January 3, 2025, and was later charged.
Butler, formerly of Ash Terrace, Seaham in Durham, and Elliot, formerly of Harbour Way, Folkestone, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary at Canterbury Crown Court and were sentenced on April 24 this year.
Butler was jailed for eight years and seven months. Elliot was sentenced to seven years and two months’ imprisonment.
A jury unanimously found Webb guilty of conspiracy to commit burglary following a trial. He was jailed at the same court for three years and two months.
Callum Elliot was sentenced to seven years and two months’ imprisonment. Picture: Kent Police
William Webb was found guilty of conspiracy to commit burglary and was jailed for three years and two months. Picture: Kent Police
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Holly Bayliss said: “The victims in this case were subjected to a truly terrifying and traumatic ordeal, and lives have been changed forever as a result of the despicable actions of these cowardly offenders.
“I am very pleased that significant custodial sentences have been handed down to them, and I hope it will be of some comfort to the victims to know that those who targeted them in such a brutal manner will spend a long time behind bars.
CCTV of the burglars as they stormed into a home in Hawkinge in November 2024. Picture: Kent Police
Officers were called to the incident near Corbett Road, Hawkinge in November 2024. Picture: Kent Police
“Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in their homes, and those who would commit such dreadful crimes as this should expect to be tracked down and made to face justice.”