A MACHETE-wielding gang of masked burglars have been jailed after storming a home and demanding victims hand over their luxury watches.
The gang broke into a property in Folkestone, Kent, wearing balaclavas and boiler suits while brandishing the weapons in November 2024.
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This is the terrifying moment a machete-wielding gang of burglars storm a property Credit: Kent Police
They wore balaclavas and boiler suits when they raided the property in November 2024 Credit: Kent Police
Kent Police were scrambled to Corbett Road in Hawkinge at 10.18pm on November 3 following the home raid.
The force said the victims were at home at the time of the break in when they were alerted by a loud noise.
When they investigated, they came face to face with the criminals who had forced their way inside.
The burglars then threatened them with machetes and demanded they hand over their possessions, including watches and clocks, before fleeing the scene in a white Audi.
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When confronted by the victims the thugs demanded they hand over watches and clocks Credit: Kent Police
Darren Butler, 36, was jailed for eight years and eight months at Canterbury Crown Court Credit: Kent Police
Calum Elliot, 23, was put behind bars for seven years and two months Credit: Kent Police
William Webb, 34, was put away for three years and two months after plotting to carry out the crime Credit: Kent Police
It was described as a “truly terrifying and traumatic ordeal” for the victims with the criminals described as “cowardly offenders”.
Following the burglary, cops launched an investigation and quickly arrested Callum Elliot, 23 and Darren Butler, 36, who were charged two days later.
Officers then discovered evidence that William Webb, 34, had plotted to carry out the crime.
It was found that he had planned the burglary through “extensive research and preparation”.
He was arrested the following January 2025 and later charged.
The gang-of-three were given a combined custodial sentence of almost 19 years after they were jailed last week.
Butler and Elliot both admitted to aggravated burglary and were sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday, April 24.
Butler was jailed for eight years and seven months while Elliot was put behind bars for seven years and two months.
Webb was found guilty of conspiracy to commit burglary in a unanimous jury verdict following a trial and was sentenced at the same court for three years and two months.
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.
“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.”
