A Gucci watch thief was caught chomping fish and chips after fleeing the scene at speeds of 100mph. James Wall stole Gucci and Cartier watches, a diamond ring and foreign currency during a Tunbridge Wells break-in at around 5.45pm on December 13, Kent Police said.
Police were alerted to reports that Wall had verbally abused a witness who challenged why he was in the area shortly after the incident. The 20-year-old was subsequently driven away from the home in Southborough in a silver Vauxhall Insignia. Within an hour, patrols spotted the vehicle between Junctions 3 and 2 of the M25.
Police said the car was seen zooming to speeds of almost 100mph along the hard shoulder. The driver had attempted to travel the wrong way on the carriageway near a slip road on the A2 near Wilmington, where it was brought to a stop.
A 38-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving offences. He has since been released pending further investigation.
However, a dog handler had to be deployed to locate Wall. He was found inside a chip shop near Bexley, which is about two miles from Wilmington.
He was eating a portion of fish and chips while waiting for staff members to charge his phone behind the counter, and was arrested inside the restaurant, where he was recognised thanks to his neon shirt.
After the phone was seized and examined, digital forensic analysis placed Wall at the scene of the burglary. Officers also found two jewellery boxes, two false vehicle registration plates and a jewellery cleaning cloth inside the abandoned car.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Celia King said: “Despite being confronted with a plethora of evidence proving he was responsible for the burglary, Wall initially refused to accept liability and laughed while watching footage from the pursuit.
“The judge took into consideration the high levels of planning involved in the burglary. As a result, Wall was handed an immediate custodial sentence,” added DC King.
Wall, of Beverston Gardens in Bristol, Somerset, pleaded guilty to burglary at Maidstone Crown Court on 12 January 2026. He was sentenced on March 25 to two years’ imprisonment.
