Shrewsbury burglar jailed for seven years

Edward James Airnes, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court today. He admitted aggravated burglary at a home in Berwick Close and three burglaries at homes in Berwick Close and Round Hill Lane. Three other household burglaries in the Coton Hill were taken into consideration.

Airnes was given a seven-year sentence by the judge, Recorder Mr David Mason and two years on each of the burglaries, to run concurrently.

The head of Shropshire CID, Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards, speaking after the court case, welcomed the lengthy prison sentence.

"Let this be a warning to others contemplating breaking into people's homes. The police will not hesitate to prosecute offenders and clearly, the courts will come down hard on them.

"Burglary, especially the breaking into of homes, remains a top priority for West Mercia Police. In Shropshire, we have had recent successes arresting offenders and will always seek to put them before the courts."

DCI Edwards urged people to be security-conscious to help protect their homes, remembering to keep front and back doors locked and to shut downstairs windows at night. Leaving a light on when going out during the hours of darkness also acted as a deterrent.

"It is also important that any suspicious activity is reported to the police immediately. If you think a property is being broken into call 999 and if you see anything which raises yours suspicions, then again contact the police on the 101 non-emergency number."

He added: "The public can play a major role in combating crime by assisting the police. Do call us when you see anything odd or suspicious so we can check it out. Working with the police in this way will prevent many crimes and help us trace burglars and other criminals."