New Year’s Eve burglar sent to prison for 18 offences

A 56-year-old man has been sent to prison for more than five years in connection with a New Year’s Eve burglary spree.

On the nights of December 30 and 31, 2023, Michael Herbert William Clark, previously of Wellingborough, was seen on numerous doorbell cameras attempting to break into people’s homes.

Targeting a variety of Wellingborough addresses including those in Cleave Way, Fosse Close, Stow Close, Cotswold Drive and Evesham Close, Clark was seen to be trying door handles whilst wearing a black beanie hat.

On one occasion he managed to gain entry to a property whilst the occupants lay upstairs in their beds. 

Police officers were called on the night of December 31 by concerned residents who had noticed Clark’s suspicious behaviour and he was arrested a short time later.

He was subsequently charged with one count of burglary and 17 counts of attempted burglary. After pleading guilty to the offences at Northampton Crown Court in April, Clark returned to the same court last month (May 22) where he was sentenced to five years and two months in prison.

Lead investigator - PC James Harris, said: “This was a great job from start to finish - from the diligent members of the public who called in Clark’s suspicious behaviour to the swift response of the officers deployed on the night.

“I’m really pleased that we have got a good result here and that Clark is now safely behind bars, making the streets of Northamptonshire that little bit safer.

“I hope the result of this case reassures the public regarding how seriously we take reports of this nature. We will continue working hard to ensure more people like Michael Clark are put behind bars.”