Burglar jailed after failed escape attempt

A prolific burglar who tried to evade arrest by jumping into a river has been jailed for a total of 11 years.

One police officer followed Shane Smith into the river before he was finally detained.

An investigation by the force’s specialist burglary team, Operation Maze, found that Smith was responsible for a string of 12 of offences in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire in November and December, which included burglary, robbery, theft and dangerous driving.

Police were already looking to return him to prison for breaching his early release licence.

The court heard that in a six-week crime spree Smith, 40, stole a motorbike, jewellery, electrical items, tools and even wildlife acoustic bat detectors from addresses principally in Biggleswade and Shefford.

He also stole a car, crashing into other vehicles and knocking a motorcyclist off his motorbike.

The 40-year-old formerly of Berkley Street, Eynesbury St Neots was sentenced on Friday (3 May) at Luton Crown Court. 

Detective Constable Kevin Howes said: “It was a brilliant effort from PC Rob Creighton, who dived after Smith to make the original arrest and take Smith off the streets.

“We know neighbourhood crime has a huge impact on local residents, and this shows we’ll make every effort to tackle this issue and bring those responsible to justice.”

Reporting crimes and suspicious activity to police is crucial for maintaining community safety and security. Call 101 or report online.