Reading Burglar Busted and Banged Up for Three Years
A 52-year-old man has been jailed after a detailed Thames Valley Police probe nailed him for a break-in in Reading.
Safe Thief Slips Up After Elm Park Raid
Stephen Whitfield, from Gas Works Road, was caught red-handed stealing a safe from a home on Elm Park Road last November. The burglary happened at 5.45pm on the 6th when he climbed in through a ground floor window. Although the safe was empty, it was recovered by police.
Forensics Seal the Deal
Whitfield was arrested the same day and charged with burglary. After a two-day trial at Reading Crown Court, a jury found him guilty unanimously on Tuesday (18/5).
“Burglary is a horribly invasive crime which has a significant impact on victims and communities,” said Detective Constable Sue Procter of the Reading Priority Crime Team.
“Despite Whitfield’s protestations of innocence, forensic evidence proved he was responsible. We will tirelessly pursue burglars and put them before the courts.”
“Whitfield will now have to serve a prison sentence where he can reflect upon his actions.”
The Thames Valley Police crackdown sends a clear message: crime doesn’t pay, and perpetrators will face the full force of the law.
