'Reckless' burglar jailed for thefts from substations

A burglar who posed as a workman and broke into several electricity substations across east Kent has been jailed for nearly three years.

Mark Baker, of East Hall Walk, Sittingbourne, admitted targeting sites between September and December 2025 in Ashford, Canterbury and Herne Bay.

A spokesperson for Kent Police said the incidents resulted in power outages and electrical damage to householders' property, and cost businesses more than £220,000.

Officers were alerted on the morning of 5 November 2025 that UK Power Networks premises in Herne Bay had been broken into.

They said the 40-year-old was dressed in high visibility clothing and, using specialist tools, forced his way into substations on Neville Road and Margate Road where he stole copper earthing and safety equipment.

Police said an investigation was launched which established that Baker had burgled sites in Sandyhurst Lane, Guernsey Way and Eureka Park in Ashford.

Detectives were also able to connect him with a break-in at a substation in Sutton Valence, near Maidstone, and sites in Canterbury.

Police said he was arrested on 18 December 2025.

Detectives searched his property and found bolt croppers, metal cutters and several large batteries.

Police said Baker pleaded guilty to multiple offences and was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Tuesday to two years and nine months' imprisonment.

Det Sgt Pete Frampton said: "Baker is a reckless offender whose crimes not only posed a serious risk to personal safety but also caused huge disruption to hundreds of people, and vast expense.

"Given the impact to local communities, and to business, it is right that he has received a custodial sentence and I hope he will reflect on the severity of his actions."

Lee Craddock, head of security at UK Power Networks, said tampering with electrical infrastructure was "extremely dangerous" and also caused "significant disruption for the wider community".

"We appeal to the public to inform police about any suspicious activity around the equipment which brings power to their home or business," he added.

"Reporting a concern could prevent a power cut, or even save a life."

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