Burglar loses shoe fleeing from a police helicopter
He pleaded guilty to three burglaries of dwellings
A SHOELESS burglar who was found running away from a police helicopter across a main road on has been jailed.
The man discarded his muddy shoes minutes before he was arrested after he stole a number of high-value items in a series of incidents across Nottinghamshire.
Shaun Cobb (28) of Falcon Way, East Leake, was jailed for four years on May 13 at Nottingham Crown Court after pleading guilty to three dwelling burglaries.
The charges relate to a series of incidents in 2019 where a large quantity of jewellery was stolen at each property.
The incidents include house burglaries on Oundle Drive, Wollaton, on November 7, in London Lane, Willoughby-ontheon October 25, and in Ruddington Lane on November 17.
He was arrested following the third incident in Wilford after a report of a man trying to gain entry to a home through the patio doors.
Officers arrived on the scene and heard Cobb run off into the garden over a fence, so a search was called with the assistance of a police dog and the police helicopter.
Cobb was seen running across the A52 thanks to the aerial support and he was arrested.
He was covered in mud and had no shoes on after he discarded them before being detained. Officers then forensically investigated the prints to match his trainers. Going back to the crime scene officers discovered muddy footprints inside the house where he had broken in.
PC Daniel Maddick, of the dedicated burglary team, said: “We welcome this conviction and sentence which sends out a positive message that Nottinghamshire Police treats burglary very seriously.
“Cobb was an opportunist thief and we now hope that his victims and the local community can get comfort from knowing that he is now behind bars.
“During the proceedings Cobb had applied for bail on two occasions but we were able to prevent this from happening which undoubtedly prevented Cobb from committing further offences.
“We take all burglaries incredibly seriously and will investigate to the best of our ability in order to uncover any evidence we can to link the offender to the scene.
“Clearly it is not acceptable to enter someone’s home and steal from them but we kindly remind residents to double check that all windows and doors are locked before going out or going to bed.”