Three men have today (Wednesday 28 July) been sentenced to a total of nine and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit burglaries across Norfolk and Suffolk.

The men were sentenced for a total of 31 burglaries.

29 year old John Storey of Ely Street, Norwich pleaded guilty to 25 offences and seven were taken into consideration and was sentenced to three and a half years in prison.  Matthew Erick Curtis, 26, of Branford Road, Norwich pleaded guilty to 15 offences and was sentenced to three years imprisonment.  51 year old Richard Woods of Bullard Road, Norwich pleaded guilty to 21 offences and was sentenced to three years in jail.

The incidents happened between June 2009 and February this year where the three offenders targeted properties mainly in rural locations.

The investigation was led by officers from Norfolk Constabulary’s CID but carried out jointly with Suffolk Constabulary’s CID.

Detective Constable Jim Starling from Norwich CID said “We are pleased with the outcome of today’s sentencing.  The three men were prolific burglars in Norfolk and Suffolk, causing much distress and inconvenience to the people they targeted.

“We have been working hard over the past year to catch those responsible and bring them to justice.  This has been a significant investigation as the three men carried out a great number of crimes. 

“This outcome proves that we are determined to target persistent criminals and hope this will act as a deterrent to others and will also provide some comfort to the victims.”

To report any suspicious activity in your area call police on 0845 456 4567 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111