Burglar caught by fingerprint jailed

 

Wayne Singlewood targeted the home in Bishop Auckland last December, breaking in through a window while the victim was staying at his girlfriend’s home.

 

The 44-year-old, along with his accomplice Craig Cunningham, raided the flat, leaving with hundreds of pounds worth of clothes and £3,000 in fishing gear.

 

Cunningham was seen climbing out of the window by PC Abbie Wallace, who was on her way home from work. She quickly called colleagues and Cunningham was detained with the fishing gear but Singlewood made off.

 

Officers tracked down the victim and notified him of the burglary.

When the flat was inspected, the victim pointed out that a personalised lighter he had been gifted had been moved.

 

Crime Scene Investigators found a fingerprint on the lighter which matched Singlewood’s and he was arrested.

 

In interview, he denied burgling the home and tried to claim his fingerprint was on the lighter because his cousin once lived there.

 

With a story with more holes than a fishing net, officers charged Singlewood, of Willington, with burglary.

 

And at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court last Monday (September 8), he was jailed for 12 months and ordered to pay the victim compensation.

 

Cunningham, of Bishop Auckland, was also charged with burglary and despite denying it, was found guilty after a trial at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court yesterday (September 15).

 

The 45-year-old was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for a year, and ordered to pay costs.

 

DC Joshua Chew, who led the investigation, said: “Burglary is a despicable crime and we are committed to helping anyone who is a burglary victim.

 

“Singlewood and Cunningham saw an opportunity but thanks to the eagle eyes of PC Wallace and their own stupidity, were tracked down and put before the courts.”

 

As the nights start to draw in, don't make it easy for thieves to target your home or vehicle.

 

Always lock your windows and doors - whether you're in or out and try not to leave your home in darkness.

 

Report any unusual behaviour to us via 101 or 999 in an emergency.