Burglar used lump hammer to smash hole in wall of Leeds vape shop and took £6,000 worth of stock

Christopher Davenport was caught after the lump hammer he used to smash his way in was found at the scene and contained his DNA.

Leeds Crown Court heard Davenport targeted Mirage Vape Store at Bramley shopping centre sometime in March or April this year when the business was closed due to the national lockdown.

A report was made to police on April 20 that the premises had been burgled.

The shop owner was contacted and the doors and windows to the building were found to be locked and secured.

Caroline Abraham said that on further inspection a hole was found in a wall and an outside bin area.

The prosecutor said a lump hammer was found in a store room which appeared to have been used to make the hole.

Around £6,000 worth of vape kits, liquid bottles, cash plus a charity box had been taken.

Vape liquids, pens and other accessories were found in the property.

Davenport, of Snowden Lawn, Bramley, was interviewed and initially denied any offending.

He later pleaded guilty to burglary.

Davenport has a lengthy criminal record for offences of burglary and violence.

Holly Clegg, mitigating, said Davenport had not been in trouble for a number of years before committing the offence.

Ms Clegg said the father-of-two carried out the burglary as he was being put under pressure to pay off an old drug debt.

Davenport was given an 18-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Judge Christopher Batty: "You are no stranger to offending. Your record goes back forever.

"It was well planned out and executed."