Teen Trio Jailed for Armed Burglary Spree in Wiltshire Village
Three teenagers have been slammed with over nine years behind bars after terrorising a quiet Wiltshire village in a violent burglary spree. The youths, aged 14 to 16, targeted a home in Fisherton de la Mere near Warminster multiple times last December, forcing their way in armed with weapons and stealing luxury vehicles.
Youths Sentenced After Aggravated Burglary and Theft
- A 16-year-old boy got 40 months for burglary, aggravated burglary, theft, and possessing a firearm with intent.
- A 15-year-old received 32 months for burglary, aggravated burglary, theft, and firearm offences.
- Another boy, 15 but only 14 at the time, was jailed for 40 months for aggravated burglary, firearm possession, dangerous driving, carrying a bladed weapon, and cannabis possession. He’s also banned from driving for 44 months and must pass an extended test.
Sequence of Brazen Break-Ins
The gang struck three times in December 2023. On December 11, two teens broke into a property and made off in a BMW. Two weeks later, they returned with a younger accomplice, stealing a hedge trimmer, golf clubs, a chainsaw, charging equipment, and wellies from the garage. Then, on December 27, they raided the house again for a terrifying aggravated burglary and stole an Audi.
“In the early evening of 27th December I walked into my kitchen… to be faced by a masked man pointing a handgun at me,” one victim told the court. “He locked me in the loo with a chair blocking the door. I escaped barefoot to a neighbour and called police. This nightmare will haunt me for a long time.”
Police Praise Victims’ Courage, Warn of Lasting Impact
PC Jack Williams, from Salisbury’s Burglary and Serious Youth Gang Violence Team, blasted the teenagers’ actions: “This was a harrowing incident with three armed teenagers forcing entry, threatening residents, and robbing the same house three times in a short span. Such trauma leaves a lasting scar and shatters the safety people expect in their own homes.”
He added: “The culprits led officers on a dangerous 15-minute chase at speeds up to 120mph before crashing. It’s fortunate no one was hurt. We take burglaries very seriously and have a dedicated unit to bring offenders to justice.”
Wiltshire Police Urge Public to Stay Alert
If you’ve been a burglary victim or have information, call Wiltshire Police on 101 or visit their website. For crimes in progress, always dial 999.
For home protection tips, visit Wiltshire Police Crime Prevention. To report anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
