Norwich: Burglar Jailed For Five Years

11 March 2014, 12:00 | Updated: 11 March 2014, 12:07

A prolific burglar who targeted dozens of homes in and around Norwich has been jailed for five years.

James Patzelt, from Half Mile Close, committed more than 40 burglaries, mainly between late 2013 and January this year, and was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court yesterday (10th March).

The 32-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and going equipped for burglary.

He also asked the court to take 46 similar offences, committed between 2001 and January this year, to be taken into consideration.

The court heard Patzelt broke into a house in Old Palace Road on 30th January after forcing the front door before stealing two laptops, a mobile phone and an iPod worth £1,350.

As he fled the address, Patzelt was stopped by police and arrested after officers had been called to the area following reports of suspicious activity.

Patzelt also pleaded guilty to going equipped for burglary after he was found in possession of a crowbar, lock pick, gloves and a holdall when he was arrested.

The second charge related to a break-in at Golden Dog Lane in Norwich on 28th January where a JVC TV and Samsung Netbook were stolen.

Detective Sergeant Tom Smith, from Norwich CID, supervised the investigation and welcomed the sentence.

He said: "It is pleasing to see such a prolific burglar receive a substantial custodial sentence.

"Patzelt is now behind bars where he belongs and I hope this sentence goes some way to reassure his victims and allow them to move forward having suffered the traumatic experience of being burgled.

"Patzelt did co-operate during the investigation and we hope he now sees this as an opportunity to turn his life around."

Patzelt had pleaded guilty to the offences at an earlier hearing and was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £120.