Man took his dog on a month-long crime spree

James Evans abandoned his dog when trying to escape from the police

A man who stole cars, electrical items, and high value jewellery from homes across Cambridgeshire has been jailed. James Evans, 42, took his terrier to a property in Whittlesey on the morning of February 22 and tried to open the front door.

The door was locked so he broke into the back of the property and took the keys to a Seat Leon. He drove off in the car with the dog. Police caught Evans in the vehicle 45 minutes later and after a short pursuit, he left the car and ran away without the dog. The dog was placed in a kennel until a family member collected it.

Evans had also burgled another property in Whittlesey but had been disturbed after taking the car keys and stole a Volvo car from another home nearby. He abandoned the car but stole items from inside including two pushchairs, a child’s scooter, and a laptop.

Evans continued to burgle homes in Peterborough as well as Boston and Crowland in Lincolnshire. He stole things like figurines, alcohol, electrical items, two other vehicles, high value jewellery, and cash. During a burglary in Boston, Evans left behind a black glove, which police were able to link to him using forensic analysis. Evans was arrested on March 24 when he broke into a property in Eye where he stole a handbag containing £200.

Evans, of no known address, admitted nine counts of burglary, three counts of theft and one of attempted burglary. He denied a second count of attempted burglary, and this was ordered to remain on file. He was jailed for five years and eight months on Friday, May 1, at Huntingdon Crown Court.

DC Megan Sims said: “Evans is a prolific burglar who relentlessly stole from people until he was caught. Burglary can have a long-lasting psychological impact on victims, as well as the financial loss of stolen items. We’re committed to pursuing offenders and bringing them to justice. I’m pleased Evans has now answered for his crimes and been jailed.”

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