Man jailed for multiple offences

A man who stole from private homes and commercial premises across Norfolk and Suffolk has been jailed for four years.

Josh Whitten, aged 30, of no fixed abode, appeared before Norwich Crown Court for sentencing on Monday 15 January 2024.

Whitten had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary, one count of fraud by misrepresentation, and three counts of assault by beating.

The offences spanned August to October 2023 at locations across Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, and Norwich.

The court heard Whitten had broken into a flat in Market Row, Great Yarmouth, on 25 October 2023 stealing a bank card and jewellery. On his way out he passed the residents on the stairs and they were able to give police a description.

A short time later he attempted to use the card to buy cigarettes and vapes in Gorleston and was quickly arrested by officers.

Whitten was found to be in possession of jewellery, and a wallet containing the bank card was found nearby.

After his arrest he was linked by CCTV and forensic analysis to multiple investigations.

In the second case on October 23 he broke into a flat in Kirkley Cliff Road, Lowestoft, stealing a PS4, a controller, a Nintendo DS, and some keys.

Inquiries located him at a retail chain in the town later the same day attempting to sell the items.

He also admitted breaking into a hair salon in London Road North, Lowestoft, on 15 October stealing an iPad, a mobile phone, some change, and some sweets.

He was identified by a fingerprint left at the scene.

On 12 September 2023 Whitten was confronted by three people in Magdalen Street in Norwich. He had previously tried to sell electrical items at a second hand shop that they believed had been stolen from them. In their efforts to restrain him, all three were assaulted.

Following his arrest he was remanded in custody and engaged with the Operation Converter team which investigates prolific offenders and encourages them to admit to further offences.

As a result he asked for three other offences to be taken into consideration. These related to commercial premises he targeted in Upper King Street, Norwich, overnight on August 24/25 2023.

Duncan Etchells, staff supervisor for Op Converter, said officers investigated multiple crimes – all of which lead to Whitten being responsible.

He said: “Whitten is a prolific offender who has now been prevented from further offending.

"We hope this four year sentence will allow him to reflect on his behaviour. Individuals and business owners have suffered due to his actions, which were carried out without any thought to the impact they were having.”