Man jailed over series of burglaries and thefts

A man has been jailed for two years over a series of burglaries and thefts in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Kevin Stanley Eagles, 38, of no-fixed-address, was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Tuesday (3 May) having pleaded guilty to three counts of thefts, two counts of burglary other than dwelling – theft and one count of burglary dwelling and theft – no violence.

The court heard how Eagles was involved in a series of burglaries and thefts between February and March of this year in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

On 17 February 2022, a silver Ford Focus was stolen from outside a business premises on Hanbridge Avenue, Newcastle-under-Lyme at around 6.40pm.

The car was found abandoned on Brampton Sidings and recovered shortly after.

CCTV footage later revealed it was Eagles who had stolen the vehicle.

On 20 February 2022, between 4.25am and 5am, Eagles was involved in a burglary at a business premises on Merrial Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, where 15 watches, overall worth £4,290, were stolen. Damage had been caused to a window at the premises to gain entry.

On 13 March 2022, Eagles entered a business premises on Liverpool Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, at around 7.15am. He forced open the automatic ‘disabled’ sliding doors and entered the premises outside opening hours. Alcohol gift sets and two toy sets were stolen, overall worth £73.

At around 8.30am on the following day (14 March 2022), Eagles gained entry to a property off High Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, and took the car keys of a Vauxhall Corsa.

The Corsa was then seen by the victim being driven away from the property.

Less than half-an-hour later at around 8.58am, the stolen Vauxhall Corsa pulled into a service station on Liverpool Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme to fill up for petrol.

The Corsa was then seen driven away without paying for fuel.

CCTV footage revealed it was Eagles who filled the car and drove off without paying.

A day later, on 15 March 2022, Eagles approached a Vauxhall Corsa parked at a property in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

According to dashcam footage, Eagles had stolen the front registration plate of the Corsa parked at the property.

The stolen Vauxhall Corsa was found displaying the stolen registration plate on Knype Close, Bradwell, on 16 March 2022 and the vehicle was recovered by officers.

Eagles was also involved in the theft of a Volkswagen Jetta on 16 March from a property off Cotswold Avenue, Newcastle-under-Lyme, at around 8.50pm.

Sergeant Kramer Caldwell, Deputy Commander for the Newcastle Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Each offence had a profound impact on those targeted.

“We’re pleased with the sentence handed to Eagles by the court.

“We hope it acts as a deterrent for anyone wishing to commit similar crimes in our county.”

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