Scarborough sneak-in burglar jailed after stashing stolen laptop down trousers
A Scarborough sneak-in burglar who stashed a stolen laptop, handbag and purse down the front of his tracksuit bottoms has been sent to prison for three years and three months.
Robert Power, 44, of Castle Road, targeted the house on Roscoe Street at around 4.30am on Sunday, August 31 this year. He entered through an insecure door and took the owner’s belongings.
CCTV enquiries in Scarborough town centre established the suspect’s movements from around the time of the burglary which showed him making his way from the address into the town centre on foot. Just after 9am, an officer on patrol spotted Power on Westborough.
The officer wanted to speak to him regarding other matters, but their suspicions were raised as Power had what appeared to be a large rectangle shape down the front of his tracksuit bottoms.
The stop-check resulted in the recovery of the woman’s laptop, handbag and purse concealed in a rucksack, plus the arrest of Power on suspicion of the burglary.
The items were identified as belonging to the victim and she confirmed her address had been burgled when officers attended following the arrest.
Power pleaded guilty when he appeared before magistrates last month and he was sentenced at York Crown Court today (December 16).
Detective Constable Darrel Temple, from Scarborough and Ryedale CID, said: “Power is a prolific offender who has caused significant upset and anxiety for the victim of his crime.
“Thanks to the excellent work of our local policing team in Scarborough, who spotted him in strange circumstances later that morning, we were able to arrest Power before he had the chance to sell the goods on.
“We hope the victim can take some comfort knowing he has been forced to face justice.”
Reporting burglary and crime prevention advice from North Yorkshire Police:
If you see any suspicious behaviour in your neighbourhood, call it in on 101.
If there is a burglary or another incident ongoing, then call 999 to ensure an emergency response.
Burglary crime prevention advice is available on the North Yorkshire Police website.
Take extra care to lock doors and secure windows when you’re away from your home and overnight while you’re in bed.
Even the smallest measures can make a big difference in deterring opportunistic criminals.