A prolific burglar who targeted homes in Histon during a wider crime spree across Cambridgeshire has been jailed.
Jj Smith, of Green Lane, Northstowe, was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison after stealing thousands of pounds’ worth of items, including gardening tools, fishing equipment and a Seat Ateca car.
The 21-year-old carried out offences across 15 villages between May and December, including a number of burglaries and attempted break-ins in Histon.
‘Significant distress’
At Cambridge Crown Court 12 March, Smith admitted 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.
Det Con Lee Steeden, who investigated for Cambridgeshire Police, 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.”
Advice
Residents are urged to report suspicious behaviour and to take steps to secure sheds and outbuildings.
Cambridgeshire Police offers crime prevention advice on its website, from choosing burglar-proof doors and windows to protecting garden areas.
For more information on protecting your home, visit the Cambridgeshire Police website.
READ MORE: Report crime – in real time
