Three jailed for burglary and car theft

Three men have been jailed for offences linked to burglary and vehicle thefts which happened across Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Devon in March and April this year.

Gary Warman, 34, of Whitehouse Lane, Bedminster, Bristol, was jailed for four years and five months in total at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday 7 October after previously admitting:

• Burglary dwelling and theft, entering a home in Iron Acton and stealing four cars of Volvo and VW makes with the keys
• Theft of a Mini Cooper from a business in Exeter
• Possessing an offensive weapon, a hunting knife, in private

Two other men charged as part of the same investigation were sentenced at the same court on Friday 18 September.

Cole Howland, 23, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to three years in prison after admitting five counts of burglary dwelling and theft.

He broke into homes in Bathford, Chelwood, Clevedon and Easter Compton to take keys and steal cars of BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes and Range Rover makes, as well as taking items including cash and bank cards

Blake Huygens, 23, of Sidmouth Road, Knowle, Bristol, was jailed for three years after admitting:

• Three counts of burglary other than dwelling involving the theft of car keys from businesses in Axminster and Seaton, and of a Fiat 500 and a Ford Fiesta from a firm in Farmborough
• Aggravated vehicle taking by driving a stolen vehicle causing damage
• Theft of items from a business in Exeter

Detective Inspector Tim Mullins, who led an Avon and Somerset Police operation to tackle car key burglary, said: “Having your home broken into is uniquely upsetting and has an effect on victims over and above the inconvenience and financial cost. This case shows that criminals will travel widely and break into homes and businesses to enable them to steal cars with the keys.

“Please do look out for your neighbours by reporting any unusual activity around homes and vehicles. As the darker evenings draw in, we’d also recommend security lighting and locking up and setting the alarm, if you have one, at night as well as when you’re out.”