By Reports of commercial burglaries in North East Lincolnshire have fallen by 62% following a number of key arrests and convictions in the area.
Five of the men responsible are already behind bars, having admitted being involved in breaking into premises in Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham, ranging from DIY stores to pubs.
Two more have been handed suspended prison sentences and another three have been charged with offences and are due to go before the courts in the coming weeks.
Detective Sergeant Tom Kelly said: “When you run a business you put your heart and soul into it, as well as your time and money, so when someone breaks in and steals from you or causes damage, it can have a real impact. We know that and that’s why we’re so pleased to have caught so many of those responsible for these kind of offences and put them before the courts. It’s often a small number of people who are responsible for the majority of crime reported to us, so when we are able to successfully prosecute those people it has a big impact – as the 62% fall in reported incidents shows.”
The latest to appear before the courts was ‘career criminal’ Dean Bellamy, 33, of no fixed abode, who was jailed for two years on Friday, July 12, after admitting to burglaries at Lees’ furniture shop and B&Q in Grimsby.
Others who have appeared before the courts include:
- Christian Willoughby, 37, of Salacon Way, Grimsby, was jailed for two-and-a-half years after admitting burglary, fraud, stealing a car, three theft offences, driving while banned and without insurance.
- Shaun Parker, 30, of St Peter’s Avenue, Cleethorpes, was jailed for 36 weeks and order to pay a £115 Victim’s Surcharge after admitting breaking into a St Peter’s Avenue food store on April 19 with intent to steal, breaking into a DIY store off Peaks Parkway and stealing drills on November 30 and December 1, as well as four counts of shop theft.
- Liam James, 26, of Duncombe Street, Grimsby, was jailed for three months after admitting attempted theft from a hostel and criminal damage on April 23.
- Michael Winchester, 33, of no fixed abode, was jailed for eight weeks and ordered to pay a £115 Victim’s Surcharge after admitting stealing perfume from a store in Freshney Place on February 19, along with six further counts of shop theft.
- Shane Edwards, 30, of Grafton Street, Grimsby, is charged with breaking into a social club on March 24. He was jailed for 12 weeks, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to undertake a six month course of treatment for alcohol dependency and complete a 12 day rehabilitation activity requirement.
- Sean Bunce, 38, of Elsenham Road, Grimsby, was jailed for 15 weeks, suspended for 12 months after admitting to breaking into a Grimsby pub and stealing cash. He was also ordered to pay a £85 costs and a £115 Victim’s Surcharge.
The three men yet to appear before the courts are:
Mark Gibson, 37, of no fixed abode is due to go on trial before Grimsby Crown Court on Monday, September 9, charged with breaking into an optician’s and stealing glasses to the value of £600 on Tuesday, June 18.
Benjamin Tuck, of Kings Street, Market Rasen, is charged with breaking into a store in west St Mary’s Gate during the night of April 28. He is bailed to appear before Grimsby Magistrates Court on August 1.
Stefan James, 30, of Sherwood Road, Grimsby, is charged with going equipped to steal on Tuesday, June 18. He is bailed to appear before Grimsby Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 6.
Sgt Kelly added: “Another important aspect of our work is long-term problem solving. Often those who commit these kind of offences are doing it to try and fund an addiction, so by working with them and other agencies such as local health services and the council, to address these issues you can reduce the risk of them reoffending in future. We have also been doing a lot of work with businesses to help them reduce their risk of being targeted by burglars. Our officers have been visiting firms across the area to offer help and advice and, while we can’t get to everyone personally, we want to spread the word to as many firms as possible to help prevent others being targeted. There are also lots of tips and advice on our website.”
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