Burglar jailed after safes and jewellery stolen in £20,000 Newport raid
A burglar who helped to steal jewellery and cash worth more than £20,000 from a house has been jailed.
The owners were left devastated when two safes, Asian gold jewellery, household items and £2,700 cash were snatched from the Newport property by Phillip Berry and three other men.
Part of the incident, which happened in Masons Place at about 4pm on February 20, was captured by security cameras in the area and the 25-year-old was identified by a police officer who recognised him from the images.
Mr Omar Majid, prosecuting barrister, said: “No one was at home. When one of the owner’s sons arrived home at about 4.50pm he realised that items from the garage were scattered in front of the gate.
"He checked the property and saw that glass in the back door had also been smashed.
“A check of CCTV footage showed the defendant standing outside the property. It showed him ringing the bell and knocking the door.
"After a while a car pulls up and three other individuals alight and are captured by the camera.
"These three have their faces covered and proceed to take items from the house to the car. The safes are put on the back seat.
“The missing items have an estimated value of £20,000.”
Berry, of College Fields, Tanwfron, near Wrexham, pleaded guilty to one burglary offence at Shrewsbury Crown Court and was sentenced to three years in prison.
Mr Makhan Shoker, mitigating barrister, said Berry had a disadvantaged childhood.
He could not read or write and his mother died when he was 15.
Judge Peter Barrie told Berry: “You have a substantial record of previous convictions. This is your sixth conviction for burglary. You have a very bad record.
“You stole from the property a substantial volume of items and cash. The jewellery that was taken was of significant value and more importantly of sentimental value to the people.”
Berry’s previous convictions include 11 thefts.
