Neighbourhood watch group catch man who burgled Jewish homes
PROLIFIC CRIMINAL SENT TO JAIL AFTER PATROL TEAM HAND HIM OVER TO POLICE
A PROLIFIC burglar who targeted Jewish households was caught by a neighbourhood watch group, who handed him to police.
Steven Lovell, who had become a ‘menace to society,’ broke into two homes and stole valuable items.
When he broke into a car in the early hours, he was confronted by a number of members of the Shomrim group. Described in court as a ‘community reassurance patrol,’ the group works with the police to deter crime and anti-social behaviour.
Members of the group were able to detain Lovell until officers arrived.
Lovell, 47, has now been jailed for six years after being convicted of burglary for the fifth time.
Manchester Crown Court heard the first burglary happened on March 27 on Oakwell Drive.
Clothes and an iPhone were taken after Lovell broke into a family home through a conservatory window.
Lovell cut himself and left blood at the scene, which was later proven to be his DNA, prosecutor Gavin Howie said.
It was then that Lovell began to target the Jewish community, the court heard.
On April 11, he broke into a home on George Street South at around 10pm after gaining entry though a window.
The male householder came into contact with Lovell, and backed off for fear he may be attacked.
Lovell left through the window with a handbag belonging to the man’s wife, which contained cash, credit cards and ID documents. The man got in his car and followed Lovell, but abandoned the pursuit. The handbag and the important ID documents were later recovered.
Days later the man bumped into Lovell on the street.
After introducing himself, Lovell told him to ‘ **** off.’ He was later able to point out Lovell in an identity parade.
Lovell then struck at a house in Great Clowes Street, at about 6am on April 15.
A man and wife and their five young children were woken up by loud banging.
By the time the man had got downstairs Lovell had left.
He had stolen two candelabras worth about £2,500 in total, and other items including a silver goblet worth £500 in total. The Shomrim group got hold of CCTV footage which was passed to the police.
At about 1.40am on April 18, a woman received a call from a neighbour saying her car was being broken into. Members of Shomrim arrived and found Lovell in the car. He had collected £10 from change in the centre console and had found the sat nav.
Defending, Duncan Philips said Lovell committed the burglaries through desperation, having no accommodation, no food and wanting to feed his drug addiction.
Sentencing, Judge Richard Mansell QC said he was satisfied Lovell targeted Jewish households, not because of prejudice but for financial reasons.
Addressing Lovell, the judge said: “You are becoming a menace to society, particularly in Salford.”
Lovell, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary and one of theft. Judge Richard Mansell QC