Christmas burglar caught after earbuds give away location hiding in loft

A burglar who broke into a family home at Christmas time was caught thanks to earbuds he'd stolen. Kent Police were called to a burglary in Boxley shortly before 2am on 26 December 2025, when a resident arrived home to find the house in disarray. Antony Allen, 47, of no fixed address, had been hiding from officers in the loft after breaking into the house. He had stolen cash, jewellery, bank cards, handbags, and other personal belongings, including electronic earbuds - which allowed officers to track him to the property. After admitting to the burglary, Allen was sentenced to two and a half years’ imprisonment on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.