A burglar who targeted homes in Braintree, Essex, over the festive period has been sentenced to 21 months in prison.
Adam Watts, 24, of Temple Lane, Silver End, admitted at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday, January 28, to burglary, attempted burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, fraud by false representation and possession of cannabis.
Between 00:01 hours on Tuesday, December 25, and 0500 hours on Wednesday, December 2, Watts broke into a home in Romney Close and stole the keys to a vehicle, a handbag and a wallet.
He drove off with the vehicle before using a store card to purchase a new television in Colchester.
At 0250 hours on Boxing Day, Watts rang the doorbell of
This particular incident shows the growing popularity of home CCTV security systems as better technology means even better images are being captured by homeowners of people who have tried to break into their properties .
Officers from Essex Police attended Watts’ address on Friday, December 28, and found the new TV and stolen store card.
The following day Officers stopped a vehicle that Watts was travelling in and he ran off.
He was found shortly afterwards hiding on a shed roof, where he waited for 40 minutes.
Investigating officer DC Gemma White, of Braintree CID, said:
“Watts showed no thought for the victim of his first burglary, breaking into and searching his home while he was away celebrating Christmas.
“He took the victim’s possessions and his car before having the audacity to buy a brand new TV using the victim’s store card.
“Watts left a trail of evidence that proved he was responsible for a number of offence and it didn’t take long for us to find him.
“His attempts to run off were in vain thanks to the good work of a dog handler and he now faces a possible prison sentence.”
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