Burglar jailed following crime spree across 15 villages

A man who carried out a nine-month burglary spree across Cambridgeshire and beyond has been jailed for more than four years.

Jj Smith, 21, of Green Lane, Northstowe, targeted homes in Haddenham, Ickleton, Stretham, Isleham, Brinkley, Longstanton, Over, Castle Camps, Weston Colville, Fowlmere. Cottenham, Histon and Sturmer in Essex between May and December.

He stole thousands of pounds’ worth of garden tools and machinery, fishing equipment, and a Seat Ateca, as well as attempting to break into homes in Soham, Brinkley and Histon.

At Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday (12 March), Smith was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison after pleading guilty to 10 counts of burglary, four attempted burglaries with intent to steal, theft of a motor vehicle, three counts of theft, theft from a shop, two counts of dangerous driving, driving without insurance, making off without making payment and driving without insurance.

He was also disqualified from driving for four years and a month.

Detective Constable Lee Steeden, who investigated, said: “Smith caused significant distress to residents across the county. His offending gravitated in seriousness from thefts to dwelling burglaries, stealing cars and actively making off from police.

“Thanks to the persistence of our officers and information from the public, Smith was arrested. We hope this result provides reassurance that we will take robust action against those who choose to steal from our communities.”

Residents are urged to report suspicious behaviour and to take steps to secure sheds and outbuildings.

Crime prevention advice can be found on our website.