Burglars Busted in Newark After Shop Alarm Sparks Police Chase
Response cops patrolling Newark town centre snapped into action after hearing a shop alarm blaring out. They traced the noise to Kirkgate and spotted a store break-in in progress — with burglars still inside.
Three Caught Red-Handed Trying to Flee
Officers stormed through the front door just as Christopher Binns made a dash for it, but he was quickly stopped. His partner-in-crime, Michael Richens, tried to escape by climbing through a window, only to be caught moments later. A thorough search uncovered Christopher Storton hiding under coats inside the shop.
The trio was arrested on the spot in the early hours of 4 August 2022. Richens also faced additional charges for a separate break-in.
Fingerprint Slip Trips Up Repeat Offender
Richens left a crucial clue behind. During another April 2022 burglary in Newark town centre, the 40-year-old cut himself and left a bloody fingerprint on a drawer. Detectives used this forensic evidence to link Richens to stealing over £2,000 worth of clothes from a Middle Gate store.
Sentences Delivered at Nottingham Crown Court
All three pleaded guilty and faced the judge on 22 February at Nottingham Crown Court.
- Michael Richens, no fixed address, was locked up for 18 months.
- Christopher Storton, 41, currently at HMP Nottingham, received a one-year sentence but was released on licence for time served.
- Christopher Binns, 39, of Forest Road, Ollerton, got a one-year prison sentence suspended for a year alongside 20 rehabilitation days.
Police Praise Quick Response and Warn Off Other Crooks
“Richens, Storton and Binns blatantly ignored the law by breaking into a store and stealing what wasn’t theirs,” said Inspector Matt Ward, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood. “Thanks to our alert patrols, they were caught quickly and brought to justice.”
“The stop also linked Richens to a previous burglary, all thanks to some brilliant police work uncovering the fingerprint evidence,” he added. “Burglary hits local businesses hard, affecting livelihoods. Their sentences show we take this crime very seriously.”
