Slough thief who stole homeowners' cars to make off with looted goods given jail

A thief who stole vehicles from homeowners in Slough and Taplow and used them to make his getaway after ransacking their properties has been jailed.

Robert Farrell, 48, of Calbroke Road, Slough, was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison at a hearing in Aylesbury Crown Court on Wednesday (November 13).

Farrell was found guilty of two counts of burglary in a dwelling; two counts of theft of a motor vehicle; one count of burglary other than a dwelling; and six counts of fraud by false representation at the same hearing.

Detective Constable Natasha Ballard-Brown, said: “Farrell showed no regard for how his offending impacts victims, and I am pleased that he has now been given a custodial sentence which I hope will be of some comfort to the victims.”

Farrell burgled two houses – one in Slough and the other in Taplow – while their owners were out, between January and April earlier this year.

He stole vehicles at each home to make a getaway with his haul of valuables which included thieved iPads, games consoles and other high value electric goods.

Farrell stole bank cards belonging to the homeowners of both properties.

The thief also broke into one garage and stole a box of fireworks and a box of smoothies.

Farrell was arrested on May 8 and charged the next day.

DC Ballard-Brown, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the witnesses and victims for their support, as we would not be able to successfully investigate these crimes without members of the public coming forward and assisting us.”

She said: “Burglary and other acquisitive crimes such as these significantly impact local communities and hard-working members of society, and Thames Valley Police is committed bringing justice to these offenders.”