Burglar Busted After Spree Across Sheffield Suburbs
Scott Bennett went on a crime spree targeting homes in Lowedges and Batemoor on the night of Monday 16 January 2023 into the early hours of Tuesday.
Dog’s Bark and Alarms Stop Burglar in His Tracks
Bennett’s first stop was a property on Norton Lane, where he slipped in through an unlocked door. But the resident’s dog’s barking spooked him, and he was chased off by the homeowner.
Undeterred, he struck again at a Batemoor Road house. CCTV caught him putting his hands through the letterbox. The resident switched on security lights to no avail—Bennett only fled when the alarm blared.
Final Attempt Foiled By Quick-Thinking Resident
In the early hours, Bennett targeted a locked shed on James Andrew Crescent. The occupant heard noises and called police after spotting him in the garden.
Police Praise Swift Action, Warn of Burglary Impact
PC Katie Gillatt of Sheffield CID said: “Bennett targeted multiple properties in one evening on some kind of burglary spree, with one motive only: to steal from local residents.”
PC Gillatt added: “He left empty-handed but showed no remorse, moving from house to house. When arrested, he had a hammer and two screwdrivers—tools meant for breaking in.”
Witnesses described a man in a high-vis jacket, which matched Bennett’s attire at the time of arrest. Police confirmed the emotional toll burglary takes on victims: “Even if nothing is stolen, the invasion of privacy leaves victims shaken.”
She concluded, “Burglars have no compassion, but we do. We’re determined to catch offenders and bring them to justice.”
Sentenced to Over Four Years Behind Bars
Bennett, formerly of Batemoor Road, pleaded guilty to two burglaries, one attempted burglary, and possession of burglary tools at Sheffield Crown Court in May.
On 10 July, he was locked up for 50 months.
