Cycling crowbar burglar jailed for multiple Headingley business break-ins
A burglar who smashed his way into multiple businesses in the Headingley area has been jailed after the judge labelled him a “professional criminal”.
Kenneth Smith was told he “preyed on hard-working small businesses” after admitting 10 offences, including eight burglaries and two burglaries with an intent to steal.
He has more than 175 previous offences to his name, Leeds Crown Court heard, including multiple burglaries.
His spree began in June when he broke into a takeaway on Otley Road in the early hours.
With a face covering and a crowbar, he arrived on a bicycle before smashing his way in and causing £1,000 worth of damage, before emptying the till of £500.
Two days later he forced his way into a vape shop, taking £1,000 in cash and thousands in stock.
On June 21 he broke into a domestic shed and stole two bicycles, and with another male targeted a dessert restaurant in Headingley, breaking in and stealing ice cream, syrups and drinks.
They then forced their way into another takeaway, smashing the glass door panel. However, a member of staff was still there cleaning, scaring them off.
A day later Smith targeted yet another restaurant, switching off the CCTV as he went. He took cash from the till.
The 46-year-old then broke into a further restaurant, using the crowbar in a bid to prise open the till.
Failing, he took the whole till. He then moved onto a hair salon where he managed to grab £200 from a safe.
Smith was later stopped by police but they were not aware of the break ins, so let him go.
He was arrested on June 22, and it was found phone signal data put him in the area of each burglary.
Remarkably, he was bailed and within days had smashed his way into a Thai restaurant, again targeting cash in the till.
The court was heard was then jailed for previous crimes, but was released in November and went on to break into another hair salon on Otley Road.
Mitigating, Craig Sutcliffe said Smith, of no fixed address, had “expressed remorse”.
He said he committed the crimes because he had nowhere to go, but “recognised the harm he had caused”.
He added that Smith was also addicted to Class A drugs.
Judge Robin Mairs told Smith: “These are not opportunistic offences. These are planned professional offences.
“People are sick and tired of those like you who prey upon the decent and hard working.
“Your words of remorse ring very hollow for those who have suffered at your hands.”
He jailed smith for four years.