Burglar jailed for three years after police find DNA on e-cig

Patrick Maloney (20), of no fixed abode, appeared before Sheffield Crown Court for sentencing after breaking into the home on Whiston Grange in broad daylight on December 9 last year.

The court heard that at around 3.30pm, neighbours had heard an alarm sounding at the house and seen two men running from the property and into a black Jaguar car. 

After alerting police, the neighbours went to check on the property and found someone had gained entry by smashing a rear glass door and climbing through.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “The occupants of the house also had an alert on their mobile phones that their alarm had been activated, and after rushing home, they were met by police officers and saw that their home had been ransacked.

“The offenders, one of which is now known to be Maloney, stole a pillow case and sewing box.”

An e-cigarette was recovered and forensic officers matched DNA from it to Maloney.

Maloney pleaded guilty to the charges of burglary after appearing before court last Tuesday and was sentenced to three years in prison.

He was also ordered to pay a £190 victim surcharge.

Insp Chris Blake said: “In this case, the offenders didn’t get away with any items of monetary or sentimental value, but the psychological effects of burglary are still significant.

"Victims suffer for years knowing that an intruder has been in their home, they no longer feel safe in a place that they should.

“The safety features within this home, and those of surrounding homes — including video doorbells and CCTV — enabled officers to quickly piece together the circumstances, and it is no doubt that the property’s alarm system made those inside the property flee.

"Installing equipment to protect your property is a great investment.

“I am pleased at Maloney has been sentenced to time in prison and those that are preying on our communities are put before the courts.”