‘Pyjama boy’ burglar, 37: My life of crime began as a tot

A BURGLAR dubbed “Pyjama Boy” has told a judge he started stealing “as a baby” when he swapped shop price labels for his mum.

Vincent Smith, 37, who has 183 convictions, was given the nickname in the 1990s when he appeared before magistrates in his nightwear after fleeing from a children’s home.

Smith, currently serving four and a half years for other offences, appeared at Gloucester crown court, admitting two burglaries and asking for three others to be taken into consideration. He told the court: “I have been thieving since I was a baby.

“My mum put me on a trolley and got me to change the price tags.

“I have been in and out of this life for nearly 30 years. First become aware to social services at age of six.

“I was brought up to be a criminal, simple as that. In a burglary of a shopping centre, I was lowered down through the roof by adults. I had a real bad life.”

He admitted raiding a home in Churchdown, Glos, on February 1 when he stole jewellery, two passports, ski passes, a pillow case and the keys to a Mini. He also admitted burgling a home in Fairford, Glos, the next day, stealing silverware, jewellery, a Cartier pen, passports and an iPad.

Smith was sentenced to three and a half years in jail for the latest burglaries.