Burglar jailed for 40 months after string of thefts

Shane Walker (34) was found guilty on several counts and sentenced to 40 months at a hearing at Sheffield Crown Court last Tuesday.

Walker, formerly of South Drive in Bolton-on-Dearne, broke into an address on High Street in Barnsley at about 12.30pm on October 21.

South Yorkshire Police said he ransacked the property — taking a large amount of cash and jewellery.

He gained entry to an address on North Sea Lane in Cleethorpes on November 5 at 4pm, again by smashing a glass door. He took jewellery and two iPads.

Four days later, Walker was caught on CCTV at a home in Pickhills Grove, Goldthorpe, while stealing a number of expensive designer clothing items and a custom-made bike.

He nicked a van from a yard in Tickhill Road, Doncaster, on the morning of November 11.

This vehicle was used in a burglary at Kenray Hospital in Barnsley the following day, when gardening equipment was stolen.

Police located the van shortly after and found Walker at an address in nearby Neville Avenue. He was arrested on suspicion of theft and later charged with multiple burglary offences.

Det Con Dan Morley, said: “I am pleased that Walker had now been handed a custodial sentence.

“His actions showed complete disregard to any of his victims and his selfish ways have caused them a great deal of stress and anxiety.

“Being burgled can have lasting impacts on victims; it is a total violation and I am extremely pleased that we now have Walker off our streets and behind bars.”