12 February 2013

A 44-year-old man who burgled homes in Norwich stealing jewellery and cash has been jailed.

Robert Horton, of Dunswin Court, Clydebank, in Scotland, was arrested by police following a series of break-ins in the city last October.

Horton became the prime suspect after a jemmy with his DNA on was left at the scene of a burglary at Caernarvon Road on 5 October where jewellery, electrical items and a Peugeot were stolen.

Detectives linked the incident to similar crimes which had happened around the same time. Officers took the unusual step of going public with the identity of the suspect – issuing his name and photograph to local media and Horton was eventually arrested at an address in Bullard Road on 31 October.

He was taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning where he was later charged with a series of offences.

Horton appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday 30 January where he was sentenced to two years imprisonment after admitting two counts of burglary.

He was sentenced to a further 18 months imprisonment (concurrent) after admitting three counts of receiving stolen goods after he was found in possession of stolen property which was later established to be stolen from burglaries in Earlham Road and St Clements Hill.

Detective Sergeant Dave Freeman, from Norwich CID, said: “The series was quickly identified and swift action to locate Horton helped prevent this escalating further.

“House burglary is an intrusive crime that can have devastating effects on the victims and we hope this result will give Horton’s victims some peace of mind.”