Third-strike burglar jailed

A third-strike burglar who snuck into a property but fled after being confronted by the householder has been jailed.

Stephen Robbens, aged 56, of Millers Lane, Norwich was identified by officers on CCTV after he entered a property in Mile Cross Lane on 4 February 2026.

Once inside he rifled through a hand-bag in the kitchen. However, he fled empty handed when the homeowner – alerted by the sound of the back door opening – disturbed him.

CCTV evidence also placed him at the scene of a second burglary at a bar in Norwich on 25 February where shutters were damaged and alcohol stolen worth over £330.

He admitted the two burglaries and also asked for a separate count of shop theft to be taken into consideration after he was further investigated by Op Converter.

Robbens appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Thursday 4 June 2026 where he was sentenced to 876 days in prison and ordered to pay £228.

Duncan Etchells, police staff supervisor for Op Converter, said: “Robbens is an habitual and opportunistic offender who is now spending the next couple of years in prison.

“This result reflects our commitment to bringing repeat offenders before the courts and achieving justice for victims.”

A third-striker is someone who has been convicted of burglary on at least three occasions including at least once as an adult.

The mandatory sentence is 876 days, just under two years and five months.