Video footage captured the moment police officers arrested a burglar in the midst of a break-in.
Stephen Clark was caught hiding behind the counter at Budare Venezuelan restaurant, in Sevenoaks, after kicking in the door.
The 49-year-old targeted the eatery in The Shambles and another venue in Dorset Street between 10.30pm and 11pm on Friday, May 31.
He forced the doors at both premises, damaging glass panels, frames, and locks in the process.
Officers attended the scene, where they found Clark who was hiding behind the counter in the Venezuelan restaurant before trying to make a run for it.
He was arrested and later charged with two counts of burglary before being sentenced to 12 months in jail at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on Monday (June 3).
Police sergeant James Page, of the West Division Victim Based Crime Team, said: “Clark caused considerable damage to both premises and stole cash from local business owners, causing them inconvenience and placing them under undue financial stress.
“I am thankful to the officers who responded quickly to the initial emergency call and arrested Clark swiftly.
“It is down to their teamwork that Clark, a repeat offender, did not avoid arrest.”
