Two men have been sent to prison after a burglary at a property in South Street, Yeovil, in which video game consoles, cash and other items were stolen.
The break-in happened in the early hours of Sunday, March 22, and was captured by a doorbell camera. Wayne Shortland, from Yeovil, and Lewis Coombes, from Castle Cary, were later arrested and prosecuted.
Sentences for the Yeovil burglary
Coombes, aged 38, was apprehended just hours after the theft. He admitted stealing two games consoles, cash and other items which have not been recovered.
At Taunton Crown Court on May 22, Coombes pleaded guilty to burglary, theft, assault, breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order and violating the terms of a suspended sentence. He was sentenced to 36 months in prison.
Shortland, aged 43, was arrested on April 29. In addition to the burglary, he faced charges relating to the theft of a motor vehicle and four separate shoplifting incidents.
He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years and six months in prison at his court appearance on July 10.
Police message to Yeovil residents
PC Jim Card, who was involved in the investigation, welcomed the sentences and said they might provide some comfort to the victims.
“We welcome the sentencing of these prolific burglars. We hope this brings some comfort to their victims. Burglary is a deeply invasive crime that affects more than just finances; it impacts the sense of security in people’s homes. We encourage the community to keep reporting such crimes.”
The case highlights the wider impact of burglary on residents’ sense of safety, alongside the financial loss caused by stolen property. Police encouraged people in the community to continue reporting suspected crimes.