Home   Ashford   News   Article

CCTV of burglars raiding Bonnington Farm in Aldington, near Ashford

Terrifying CCTV footage shows masked burglars creeping around a kitchen after breaking into a mobile home.

The thieves stole a 100-year-old machete after smashing their way inside the property at Bonnington Farm in Aldington, near Ashford.

Owners Mark Homewood and Tess Wilde are now living in fear of being targeted again by criminals, following the second raid on their home in a year.

The couple have been trying to start their own small farm, like Mr Homewood's grandparents had.

"We were hoping to continue passing it down the generations," he said.

"Unfortunately the fear of crime is beginning to take a toll on us."

The burglars caused thousands of pounds' worth of damage and stole Mr Homewood's grandfather's century-old machete.

Tess Wilde and Mark Homewood's farm was broken into in the early hours of Wednesday morning
Tess Wilde and Mark Homewood's farm was broken into in the early hours of Wednesday morning

"The machete was of great sentimental value," he said.

"My grandparents used to own orchards and it was well-used by them pruning the apple trees."

The thieves broke into the farm in the early hours of Wednesday morning and Mr Homewood says they left nothing untouched.

CCTV shows them arriving at 3.25am, managing to break a Kryptonite D-lock on the gate and driving their pick-up onto the field.

They then smash through the front door of the mobile home, which is currently used for storage.

A thief caught on CCTV outside the mobile home at Bonnington Farm in Aldington, near Ashford
A thief caught on CCTV outside the mobile home at Bonnington Farm in Aldington, near Ashford
The moment a burglar smashes the door to the mobile home at Bonnington Farm in Aldington, near Ashford, as the thieves force their way inside
The moment a burglar smashes the door to the mobile home at Bonnington Farm in Aldington, near Ashford, as the thieves force their way inside
Masked burglar creeps around the kitchen of a mobile home at Bonnington Farm in Aldington, near Ashford
Masked burglar creeps around the kitchen of a mobile home at Bonnington Farm in Aldington, near Ashford

"Thankfully we were not inside," said Mr Homewood.

"They went through the whole place, opened every draw. From what we can tell they didn't steal much more than a pot of hibiscrub and a machete.

"We have been left with thousands of pounds' worth of damage to clear up."

The farm, which has 14 alpacas as well as four baby alpacas, was also broken into last year.

Mr Homewood said: "The last time we were targeted by a criminal was August 26 last year when they cut through the fence and left it wide open.

"Fortunately, none of the alpacas escaped."

Police continue to make enquiries into the burglary.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More