Burglar sentenced to over 60 theft crimes

A habitual thief linked to over 60 break-ins has been handed a prison term of five and a half years. Christopher Smith, 38, who has no permanent residence, committed the crimes in Luton and Peterborough between March and May.

Authorities traced Smith through DNA evidence left on a Cherryade bottle at one property and on a spanner used to force entry into another home. Detective Constable Pawel Karpinski of Bedfordshire Police described Smith as "a one-man crime wave."

Police reported that in numerous instances, homeowners were present during the burglaries, with two incidents forcing Smith to flee when interrupted. He pleaded guilty to one count of burglary and two counts of attempted burglary, while 60 additional offences were considered during sentencing.

Detective Constable Karpinski commented: "It is particularly alarming that he targeted homes knowing people were likely inside. Burglaries can be deeply distressing for victims, and the fact that so many offences have been attributed to a single individual and that he is now incarcerated should provide some reassurance."

Smith received his sentence at Luton Crown Court on 21 November.

Author: Sophia Brooks