POLICE have vowed to get tough on burglars to boost Barnsley residents’ confidence after a man behind multiple high-profile break-ins was handed a five-year prison term.
Jordan Hiles, of Chapel Lane, Carlton, pleaded guilty to ten offences relating to eight incidents which also included assault and theft of a motor vehicle.
Officers investigating the burglaries - which took place across the borough - saw them identify the 23-year-old using CCTV footage and information provided by victims and other witnesses.
When being interviewed, he offered very little comment and wouldn’t engage with officers.
PC Jade Smith-Sykes, who investigated the case, said: “Hiles is a serial burglar who has targeted homes across Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and other parts of Barnsley over the last year.
“On more than one occasion he was challenged by his victims, who he then threatened or demanded money.
“His aggression left several of his victims distressed and fearful that he might return to their homes.
“One man was threatened with a screwdriver, while another was asked to hand over £500.
“One of the incidents, on February 8, saw Hiles steal a car from someone’s drive.
“The vehicle was later found abandoned, but Hiles was arrested with the keys in his pocket.
“He had no explanation for why he had them in his possession.”
Burglaries are a ‘consistent priority’ for Barnsley’s neighbourhood policing teams, according to bosses in the town, but have had lower-than-normal numbers when compared to recent years due to prolonged spells of lockdown, and more people working from home due to the pandemic.
However, according to latest police figures, a spike occurred in October last year.
A police report added: “This was as a result of a very small number of prolific offenders committing a large number of burglaries.
“The offenders were identified, arrested and charged with multiple offences. However, this prompted us to reflect and learn, refresh
our strategy and reaffirm the role that everyone plays in tackling
burglary.
“In terms of the data, when comparing March 2020 to February 2021 with the same period the previous year, there has been a 20.5 per cent reduction in residential burglary across Barnsley.”
PC Smith-Sykes hopes the sentence given to Hiles will provide reassurance to residents.
“Hiles shamelessly prowled around peoples’ homes, trying door handles and breaking windows to get inside,” she added.
“He showed no remorse for his actions, threats or aggression and it is right he has received a custodial sentence.
“We know what a significant impact burglary can have on people, especially in relation to how safe they feel in their homes.
“We hope that results like this show that we are working hard to bring offenders to justice.”
