A man who set up a business telling homeowners how to protect their home from burglars has been sent back to prison, for burglary.
Sam Edwards, 28, launched "Sam's Burglary Prevention" in 2019, offering homeowners tips on how to avoid being targeted by thieves. At the time, Edwards said he had turned his back on crime, having previously stolen "£20m worth" of goods.
He said he had developed a wide set of skills over his 11 year criminal carer and boasted at the time he could get through any door with a chisel "quieter than a homeowner could with a key".
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But the dad-of-one has been jailed after he admitted 11 counts of burglary and one count of attempted burglary in April 2022. He now finds himself back behind bars after he was sentenced to three years and five months.
He stole "high value" jewellery from Berkshire homes during a seven-month crime spree between September 2021 and March 2022.
Police said Edwards also stole irreplaceable items of "high sentimental value" and he was arrested following a joint investigation between Surrey Police and Thames Valley Police. Edwards, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to three years and five months’ imprisonment following a hearing at Reading Crown Court.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Steven Baggaley of Thames Valley Police, said: “Edwards has broken into 11 properties and attempted to break into a further one. He stole not only items of high monetary value but also high sentimental value which cannot be replaced.
"A home is somewhere that you should feel safe and Edwards has breached this, making his victims feel vulnerable and unsafe. The defendant has now three years and five months to reflect on his actions. This was a joint investigation between TVP and Surrey and officers will work relentlessly to pursue suspects and bring offenders to justice for these type of offences and are committed to keeping our communities safe.”
Edwards set up his own business 'Sam's Burglary Prevention' in September 2019 offering his services to those looking to tighten up their home security. For just £20-an-hour, homeowners could receive his top tips which included double bolting doors, putting keyless car entry cards in the microwave, and having specific alarm systems.
He said at the time: "People can trust me because I've done this for a living, I know what I'm talking about. I can give the vulnerable peace of mind. So far I've only had four or five customers, two of them had been robbed already and one had some valuables that they would rather keep hold of."
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