Man jailed for burgling shops in Derby

A burglar who targeted businesses across Derby has been jailed for more than three years.

Simon Smith was sentenced to three years and four months after pleading guilty to a string of seven break-ins in January, February and May. 

Four of his crimes were committed in a four-day period.    

In one burglary, he targeted a takeaway in London Road, kicking in the door and bringing a shopping trolley to the scene and filling it with 39 multi packs of drinks, each containing 24 cans.

The 38-year-old later advertised large amounts of drinks cans for sale on social media and when officers went to his flat in Magee Court, they found almost 200 drinks cans inside.

In another incident, on January 30, he stole two TVs and bottles of alcohol from a bar in Midland Road and on May 29, he smashed the window of a café in Market Place, trying to steal a charity box which was chained to the counter and causing hundred of pounds worth of damage.

Derby North Inspector Clare Preston-Davis said: “Smith’s crimes put additional stress and pressure on the businesses he targeted, after what had already been a very difficult year.

“I’m pleased we were able to bring Smith to justice and I hope this jail term brings some comfort to those hard-working business owners who were left counting the cost of his crimes.”