Chester Burglar Busted and Behind Bars
Stephen Collins, 44, from Chester, has been locked up after admitting to a series of burglaries across the city. The Hatton Road man targeted homes on Gladstone Avenue, Sealand Road, Newton Lane, and Dickson Drive, snatching cash and valuables during a crime spree from 10 to 24 July.
Caught on CCTV and Chased Down
One victim spotted Collins leaving their home and passed a description to police. This matched CCTV footage of a man prowling the area. Officers recognised Collins, and when they went to his house on 26 July, he made a desperate escape out the back.
But Collins’ run was short-lived. He was chased across neighbouring properties before being arrested. Police found a haul of stolen goods at his home, and the shoes he was wearing matched footprints found at several crime scenes.
Accomplice Also Arrested
Further CCTV showed Collins with Kai Davis, 21, using stolen bank cards to buy cigarettes. Davis, from Lynwood Road, Chester, was arrested the same day. He admitted to using the stolen cards fraudulently at five local shops.
Davis pleaded guilty to fraud and handling stolen goods, receiving a 22-week sentence, including two weeks for breaching a suspended sentence. Collins initially denied the burglaries but caved under the mountain of evidence and pleaded guilty to five counts.
Justice Served and Victims Vindicated
On 24 August at Chester Crown Court, Collins was jailed for three years and hit with a £190 victim surcharge. Detective Constable Tom Philpotts said:
“Burglary is a serious offence where victims’ homes, their safe spaces, are violated. Thanks to the victim’s quick action, Collins was identified and arrested. We recovered the stolen property and brought both men to justice.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane praised the officers’ work and said:
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home. This case’s outcome delivers justice and hopefully reassurance for Chester residents.”
With Collins and Davis behind bars, Chester can breathe easier knowing burglars are being stopped dead in their tracks.
