Distraction burglar sentenced to three years and five months for Rothwell offences

A distraction burglar who stole from vulnerable victims in Rothwell has been jailed after admitting his guilt.

William Wallace, aged 49, appeared before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on July 14 charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of fraud by false representation in relation to incidents in Moorfield Road and High Hill Avenue, and one count of attempted burglary relating to an incident in Castle Hill, all committed on June 29 this year.

He was remanded in custody and at a subsequent appearance at Northampton Crown Court in September, Wallace entered guilty pleas to the two counts of burglary.

His not guilty pleas to the fraud and attempted burglary charges were accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service so he will not face a trial on these matters.

Wallace, of Leicester Road, Market Harborough, appeared before the same court for sentencing on Friday, October 13, where he was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment.

Speaking afterwards, investigating officer Detective Constable Dave Bastuba, of the CID Burglary Team North, said: “I’m really pleased to see such a strong sentence for William Wallace, who has shown himself to be a calculating and callous offender by targeting vulnerable people in their own homes, where they should feel safest.

“Distraction burglary offences are always tough to deal with, as they are a particularly personal kind of crime. Tricking your way into someone’s home under false pretences to steal from them is a truly low act, and I’m glad this sentence shows how seriously this type of crime is taken by Northamptonshire Police and the courts.”

If you have been a victim of crime, report it to Northamptonshire Police on 101 or www.northants.police.uk/RO. In an emergency always call 999.

Find crime prevention advice, including home security tips, here: https://www.northants.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/

Protect older neighbours and relatives against distraction burglary with this advice:

• The key to preventing a distraction burglary is to keep the front door closed and locked. Once the door is opened, the barrier to keeping them out has gone!
• There’s no need to open the door to unexpected callers – it’s OK to send them away
• Find other ways to speak to callers – through a window or even the letterbox
• Don’t bother to check ID cards – they will be fake if the caller is not who they say they are
• Display a ‘No Cold Calling Home’ sticker
• Set up passwords with utility companies so you know if they are genuine when they call
• Keep the outside of your property well maintained
• Don’t keep large amounts of cash at home
• Use a lifeline pendant alarm to call for assistance
• IF YOU’RE NOT SURE, DON’T OPEN THE DOOR

If you would like a free ‘No Cold Calling Home’ sticker, please email [email protected]