Man jailed over series of business burglaries

A man has been jailed after admitting carrying out a series of business burglaries in Stafford last year.

Andrew Darby, aged 54, of Newport Road, Stafford, was sentenced to two-and-a-half-years (32 months) behind bars at Stafford Crown Court on Tuesday (8 February), after admitting four counts of business burglary at an earlier hearing on 14 December 2021.

The court heard how broke into four premises, including a medical practice, near Earl Street, Stafford, between 6pm on 10 December 2021 and 8.40am on 11 December 2021.

Darby used a mallet-style hammer to access the medical practice in the first of his burglaries, making off with a black Technika television, a Canon Digital SLR camera and a bottle of wine, as well as causing £4,000-worth of damage.

He then went on to climb through a window into a letting agents’ where he stole a cash box containing a small quantity of cash.

During the third burglary, a candle shop was targeted where £40 was taken from the till and a vase was damaged.

The fourth burglary saw a number of vinyl records, worth about £50, stolen.

Officers recovered the cashbox from the second burglary later on 11 December. No other items have since been recovered.

CCTV footage inquiries led to Darby’s arrest and he was subsequently charged.

He admitted the offences before magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on 14 December 2021.

Speaking following sentencing, Sergeant Thomas Fotherby of Staffordshire Police, said: “Darby’s offences had a profound impact on those businesses he targeted.

“I am pleased he admitted his offending in court and that the sentence handed to Darby reflects the serious nature of his crimes.

“I hope this case shows we are committed to catching prolific offenders and bringing them to justice.”

If you are concerned about burglary in your area, contact us on 101, or call 999 in an emergency.

For burglary prevention advice, visit: Protecting your home from crime | Crime prevention | Staffordshire Police