Yahoo News Prolific burglar targeted Preston student homes to steal cash and games consoles
A prolific burglar has been jailed for five years after targeting student accommodation buildings and businesses in Preston
Wesley Holden stole bags, cash, games consoles and bank cards from numerous properties as part of a three-month burglary spree between July and September this year in the city centre. The 47-year-old was arrested following an investigation by the South Residential Burglary Team.
He was charged with eleven offences: three counts of burglary in a dwelling, three counts of burglary other than a dwelling, two counts of fraud by misrepresentation, two counts of theft and attempted burglary. Holden, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to all offences and on Friday (November 15) he appeared before Preston Crown Court and was sentenced to five years in prison.
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DC Dave Hanna, from the South Residential Burglary Team, said: "Burglary is an offence that is extremely distressing for victims, leaving them feeling unsafe in their own homes and properties. I am pleased that Holden has been taken off the streets and brought to justice.
"This conviction and sentence shows that we will not tolerate offences like this in Preston."
Operation Defender is a force-wide campaign that aims to combat residential burglary with support from Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.
