Four years for distraction burglar

8:31am Sunday 13th July 2008

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A teenager has been sentenced to four years in prison following two distraction burglaries in Radlett and Rickmansworth and a burglary in Borehamwood last year.

Michael Wall, 18, from Greenford, was charged with a distraction burglary in Newberries Avenue, Radlett and a burglary in Rowley Lane, Borehamwood on August 19 2007. He also carried out a further distraction burglary at a property in Rickmansworth in June last year.

A distraction burglary involves a criminal distracting you while they or someone else carry out the burglary.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Newsome from Operation Manhunt, Hertfordshire Constabulary's specialist team who proactively target distraction burglars said: "I am pleased with the outcome of this case. Michael Wall targeted elderly, vulnerable people and I hope this will send a clear message to others who may commit these crimes that they are taken very seriously and that offenders will be dealt with robustly.

"Crimes of this nature can have a detrimental effect on the victims' quality of life and I hope that the victims of these offences can take some comfort from the fact that this man has been given a prison term. I would also like to reassure people that Hertfordshire Constabulary is committed to protecting elderly and vulnerable members of our community. We are working with Neighbourhood Watch schemes across the county and with Crimestoppers to gather intelligence about bogus callers, but we need help from members of the public."