53-year-old man jailed for burgling two homes in Bath as householders slept

A 53-year-old man has been jailed for three and a half years after burgling two homes in Bath, taking a vehicle without consent and three counts of fraud.

A jury convicted Wayne Frederick Boswell, 53, of no fixed abode, after a two-day trial at Bristol Crown Court.

He was sentenced on Tuesday 29th January for three and a half years in prison for each burglary, four months for TWOC and four months for fraud, all to run concurrently – a total of three and a half years in jail.

The court heard that he burgled homes in Englishcombe Lane overnight on 4th-5th July and Broadmoor Lane, overnight on 27th-28th July last year, while the householders slept.

He stole personal possessions, cash and bank cards as well as taking a car from Broadmoor Lane.

The stolen bank cards were used at a petrol station on 5th July, at a supermarket on 28th July and at a fast food restaurant the same day.

Boswell was arrested on 1st August and faced magistrates the following day.

Investigating officer DC Neil Wood said: “Wayne Boswell denied these burglaries, but the jury was not convinced by his version of events. His Honour Judge Ambrose said the seriousness of these offences was aggravated by being committed at night while the occupants slept.”

Avon and Somerset Police have taken the opportunity to remind residents to keep their home secure and deter burglars by:

• Locking up and setting the alarm, if you have one, at night as well as when you go out
• Making sure your door is locked by turning the key – some ‘paddle and stub’-handled doors might seem to be locked by lifting the handle, but can still be opened from outside
• Keeping windows and doors secure if you’re not in the same room
• Fitting a letterbox cage
• Hiding your handbag or wallet, keys and other portable valuables safely out of sight
• Keeping tools locked up in a secure shed or garage
• Making sure garden furniture and wheelie bins can’t be moved to gain access to upstairs windows
• Joining Neighbourhood Watch

All these things add up to put a burglar off targeting your home. There’s more home security advice on the police website, www.avonandsomerset.police.uk.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously around a neighbour’s property, call the police straight away. It’s 999 if a crime is in progress, otherwise ring 101.