A burglar from Llanelli has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison.
Damian Anthony Rees, aged 27, was arrested on Friday, April 3 and subsequently charged with burglary with intent to steal from a property on Station Road. He received his sentence of 876 days on Tuesday, April 14.
However, police in Llanelli are warning residents to keep their homes safe and secure at all times following reports of thieves targeting insecure properties.
Burglars are gaining entry through insecure doors and windows, entering the home and stealing items such as handbags, wallets or cash, then leaving in a matter of minutes.
There have also been reports of attempted burglaries whereby potential thieves have made-off after being confronted by homeowners.
DC Mathew Davies said: “The sentencing of Rees is a positive result and means he will be off the streets of Llanelli for a significant length of time.
“We do not want to unduly frighten homeowners, as thankfully burglary is not a major problem in Llanelli and numbers remain low. But we do need people to be aware of what is currently happening in order for them to take the necessary security measures to keep their homes and their property safe.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is for people to remain vigilant and ensure they lock doors and windows, hide valuables, invest in alarm systems and use them. Make life difficult for thieves.
“This is not just when you are going out, but when you leave the room, are out in the garden or you’ve popped upstairs.”
Report any suspicious behaviour or concerns to police on 101. In an emergency call 999.
Protecting Your Property Advice:
- Ensure all valuable items are locked away safely and securely
- Ensure property is marked with a UV pen or substance such as Smartwater, which provides a unique DNA-type liquid for each household, to protect their property and make it easier for property to be returned to their rightful owners if stolen.
- Register property on www.immobilise.com – a national database used to help keep property safe and allow return of stolen goods to the owner
- Ensure all windows and doors are locked
- Install and use an alarm system
- Report any suspicious behaviour around the property to police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
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