Burglar Banned from Entering Cumbria for Four Years After Series of Break-Ins

Serial Burglar Hits Cumbria Homes

Craig Butterworth, 53, of Fern Isle Close, Rochdale, admitted to committing four burglaries between December 3 and December 9 last year. The break-ins targeted properties in the Grange-over-Sands and Allithwaite areas while the homeowners were away.

Method of Entry and Evidence

Butterworth gained entry to the homes by forcing doors and smashing windows. During the burglaries, he stole jewellery and cash from one of the addresses. In a calculated effort to evade detection, he even used cleaning products to eliminate any traces of his presence at one of the crime scenes. However, his attempts were unsuccessful, as law enforcement officers were able to place Butterworth at the scene by obtaining a crucial DNA swab.

Justice and Criminal Behaviour Order

On May 28, Butterworth was sentenced to four years in prison for his crimes. Following his sentencing, on Thursday, June 25, Cumbria police secured a four-year criminal behaviour order against him. The strict conditions of this order dictate that Butterworth must not enter the county of Cumbria for a period of four years upon his release from prison.

A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness’s Community and Serious Organised Crime Team commented on the case: “We hope this order will make Butterworth think twice before reoffending in Cumbria upon his release from prison, or face the consequences of further time behind bars. This order gives officers further powers, and we will not hesitate to act if these conditions are breached.”

Violating the terms of a criminal behaviour order carries severe consequences, with a potential punishment of up to five years in prison.

Burglary Prevention Tips

To help protect your home from burglaries, especially when you are away, consider the following prevention measures:

• Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked before leaving your property.
• Install a reliable burglar alarm system and display signs indicating your home is protected.
• Use timers on lights and radios to create the illusion that someone is home.
• Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your property and collect mail while you are away.
• Consider installing security cameras or a smart doorbell to monitor your home's exterior.