Burglars Jailed Following 85mph M25 Police Chase After High-Value Kent Break-in

Three Burglars Sentenced After High-Speed Police Chase on M25 and East London

Three members of an organized burglary crew have been jailed and detained following a high-speed police chase that topped 85mph through residential zones. The dramatic pursuit took place across Kent, Essex, and East London after a high-value break-in.

The incident began on the evening of February 12, 2025, when Kent Police were alerted to a burglary in progress at a residential home in Swanley. The culprits broke into the property and stole expensive jewellery, a wallet, a designer watch, and keys to the homeowner's Audi and Mazda vehicles.

Police units spotted the stolen Mazda and initiated a pursuit. The driver, 18-year-old Liam Madgwick, drove recklessly at speeds of 85mph in a 30mph limit zone while fleeing toward the Dartford Crossing. The pursuit ended in Purfleet, Essex, where Madgwick hit a dead end and was arrested by tracking officers—just 14 minutes after the initial 999 call was placed.

Meanwhile, the crew's second vehicle, a Vauxhall, was tracked by a lone female police officer who followed it into Barking, East London. Demonstrating remarkable courage, she blocked the suspects' vehicle at a petrol station and arrested 21-year-old Michael Allison and another accomplice.

At the sentencing hearing in late November 2025, the court handed down the following terms:

• Michael Allison (21), of Ilford, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to burglary and theft.
• Kian O'Connor (20), of South Ockendon, received an 18-month sentence in a young offender institution after surrendering to the police the day after the crime.
• Liam Madgwick (18), of Dagenham, was sentenced to 16 months in a young offender institution for burglary, theft, dangerous driving, and driving without a license or insurance.