Prolific burglars jailed for ten years

A PAIR of burglars who broke into two different homes on the same night and stole high-value cars parked outside them have been jailed.
Thomas Glaves (pictured left) and Anthony Smith.Thomas Glaves (pictured left) and Anthony Smith.
Thomas Glaves (pictured left) and Anthony Smith.

Thomas Glaves (24), of Leslie Avenue, Maltby, and Anthony Smith (32), of Leppings Lane, Hillsborough, were sentenced for string of burglary and theft offences in Rotherham, Derbyshire and Sheffield.

Smith was jailed for four years and ten months and Glaves for five years and two months.

They were arrested at the beginning of April after being spotted in a vehicle they took to one of the burglary scenes.

Det Con Ryan Griffiths, who led the investigation, said: “Throughout March and April, Glaves and Smith broke into five different properties and stole a number of high value cars, a variety of electrical items and work tools.

“On Monday March 27, Glaves and Smith broke the locks of two properties in Rotherham to gain entry and search for the keys to cars parked outside. 

“During these burglaries a Mercedes convertible was stolen from a property on Howlett Drive, Brinsworth, and a black Audi was stolen from a property on Godric Drive, Brinsworth.

“Just over a week later, during the early hours of Wednesday, April 5, the men then forced their way into two further properties on Cardwell Drive, Sheffield and stole an Audi and a Vauxhall Corsa.

“The cloned licence plates Glaves and Smith had used on the stolen cars were identified by officers during a local patrol and they were arrested. Following their arrests, an investigation was launched into the men and officers began gathering evidence from local enquiries, which linked them to the different offences.”

Glaves and Smith pleaded guilty to five counts of burglary and four counts of theft of a motor vehicle.

Glaves also admitted stolen goods in connection to the thefts.

Glaves and Smith were jailed when they appeared at Derby Crown Court on Friday (6) after admitting the offences at a previous hearing.

Det Con Griffiths said: “Burglary is a distressing and intrusive crime and I hope by highlighting this result, we are able to demonstrate our dedication to identify and work to bring offenders before the courts.”