Burglar stole glasses and tools worth thousands

A BURGLAR stole thousands of pounds worth of sunglasses and tools after breaking into the same opticians and tool shop twice in the same week.

He was caught on CCTV targeting the businesses.

Matthew Finch, 48, of Culverhouse Cross, carried out four burglaries between February 14 and 21, a sentencing hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard.

The first offence took place on at 6am when the defendant broke into an opticians in Llantwit Major by forcing the back entrance. Once inside, he took sunglasses to the value of £4,500.

On February 19, at 11.05pm, Finch and another man were seen to gain access to a tool shop in Bridgend using a “blunt implement” to smash the glass.

They made several trips back and forth the shop to the boot of a car, carrying a number of items including tools and clothing worth £6,804.

On February 21, at 5.30am, Finch entered the same tool shop, broke the glass panel in the front door with a metal crowbar and stole items worth £859.

He then attended the same optician an hour later, smashed a pane of glass in the door with a sledgehammer before stealing more sunglasses worth £1,900.

Finch, of Gwern Close, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary. The court heard he had 47 previous convictions including multiple thefts and a burglary in 1989.

In mitigation, the court heard the defendant expressed remorse for the offences, suffered with mental health issues and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

Sentencing, Recorder Simon Hughes said the effect on the storeowners had been significant.

Finch was sentenced to a total of six months’ imprisonment.