Man jailed following burglary in Crewe

A man from Crewe has been jailed for four and a half years after pleading guilty to burglary with intent to steal in the town.

Paul Hilton appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday 22 August where he admitted the offence.

The 45-year-old of Richmond Road was sentenced to four years and six months in prison.

During the hearing, the court heard how Hilton’s burglary took place during the early hours of Wednesday 20 July 2022.

Around 1.30am, a ring doorbell on the house alerted the victim of a man walking around on the drive of the property and other properties, heading into the gardens.

The victim had left his back door open for his pet cat to get in and out of the property, he then was woken up by a noise which he thought was the cat but instead got up to find Hilton standing in his kitchen.

The victim then quickly removed Hilton from the property after finding him.

The offence was reported the day/morning after, and Hilton was arrested at around 11.20am on the morning of 21 July 2022 at his home address.

On Hilton’s arrest he claimed he was looking for his friend’s house, without mentioning who the friend was.

Sergeant Richard Haque of Crewe Local Policing Unit said: “I welcome the sentence that has been handed to Paul Hilton for burglary with intent to steal.

“Hilton is an offender who has a long history of committing crimes and has caused many victims misery.

“This conviction goes to show that we have a zero tolerance to this kind of crime and those that intend on committing such crimes will be dealt with accordingly.

“I would like to thank the officers that have been dealing with the case for their dedication and tenacity, and hope that this reassures the victim and others in the community that we do take this type of crime seriously.”

Advice for homeowners

• Make sure that all windows and doors are closed and locked, even when you are at home or in the garden. Use the security measures on modern windows, which allow them to let some air in but still be locked.
   
• Keep all valuables out of the line of sight of prying eyes, never put car keys or purses on window-sills or in view of a window or door. Always avoid keeping large amounts of cash are in your house.
   
• Do not leave valuables or equipment on display in your car - take valuables with you or lock them away. Even a pair of sunglasses on show can be appealing to a would-be thief.

Residents are being reminded to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to police.

If you have any information in relation to burglaries or see anyone acting suspiciously, report to Cheshire Police via:

https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

... or call Cheshire Police on 101.

Pictured - Paul Hilton.