A 46-year-old Swindon man, Christopher Daniel Clarke, also known as Christopher Skriabin, has been handed a three-year and nine-month prison sentence for his involvement in a spate of burglaries earlier this year in Stubbington and Swindon.
The charges against Clarke were brought forth following investigations by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s specialist Operation Hawk team, in collaboration with Wiltshire Police’s Fortitude Swindon team.
The incidents he was charged with include:
- Burglary at a residence in Harold Road, Stubbington, on 17th April, during which valuable collectible coins were stolen.
- Burglary at a residence in Wicks Close, Swindon, on 9th June, with a theft of £10.
- Attempted burglary at a residence in Wicks Close, Swindon, also on 9th June.
- Burglary at a residence in Dart Avenue, Swindon, on 9th June, resulting in the theft of £150 worth of cash and jewellery.
Clarke confessed to these charges during a court hearing at Swindon Crown Court on Friday 14th July. Subsequently, he was sentenced at the same court on Wednesday 19th July.
Detective Constable Jared Yalden expressed the impact of burglary on victims, describing it as an invasive crime that causes significant distress and upset to those affected. He stressed that people should feel safe and secure within their own homes. DC Yalden also commended the joint effort of Hampshire and Wiltshire Police, which helped present a clear picture of Clarke’s criminal activities in court, ultimately leading to a substantial sentence.
In light of this incident, Wiltshire Police offers valuable advice on how to protect homes from burglary on their crime prevention page: “Keep burglars out of your property.”
If you witness a burglary in progress, call emergency services at 999 immediately. For providing further information or reporting a burglary after the fact, dial 101. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be submitted to CrimeStoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
