July 25, 2017 4.39 pm This story is over 80 months old

Burglar jailed for raiding five homes in just four nights during ‘devastating’ crime spree

A man who committed five burglaries in four nights in a Lincolnshire town has been jailed.

A man who committed five burglaries in four nights in a Lincolnshire town has been jailed.

James Whiley, 50, and of Bath Gardens, Boston, broke into properties on York Street, Cherry Walk, Blackthorn Lane, Lindis Road and Monteith Crescent between June 21 and 25.

He pleaded guilty to five burglary charges and one charge of theft when he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on July 24.

Whiley was jailed for six years and eight months.

The court heard that during the night of June 21, Whiley used a knife stolen from the property’s garage, to break into a house on York Street.

Two nights later, Whiley broke into a property on Cherry Walk. Again using a knife stolen from the properties garage, he then cut a hole into the garden tent where the family were sleeping, eventually stealing the house keys and letting himself into the house.

The 50-year-old broke into another property on Blackthorn lane 24 hours later, stealing another selection of items including a laptop and a handbag.

A property on Lindis Road and a property on Monteith Crescent were then broken into on the fourth night of the incidents.

This time, Whiley opened a selection of unopened new baby cards to search for cash, before breaking into a property where children were sleeping upstairs.

Whiley was found wearing one of the watches he stole when he was arrested by officers.

Detective Constable Toby Manley, of Boston CID, said: “These crimes were very serious offences and have been very traumatic for those involved.

“I am glad that this person will not have any opportunities to commit further crimes for a long time.

“Burglaries such as these can have a devastating effect on people.

“I hope now that people affected can feel at ease knowing that this man has been taken off the streets.”