Bures, near Sudbury, burglar Billy Swaley-Smith jailed after string of thefts in Ipswich

A ‘prolific’ burglar who caused ‘widespread misery and distress’ to his victims will spend more than four years behind bars after a string of thefts in Ipswich.

Billy Swaley-Smith, 35, of Tawneys Ride in Bures, near Sudbury, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court yesterday for sentencing, after pleading guilty to three charges.

These related to thefts in Ipswich, which saw him take a number of items, including cash and a games console.

The court heard how Swaley-Smith burgled a property in Chevallier Street, stealing various belongings, including an Xbox.

In addition, he took jewellery and more than £1,000 in cash from an address in Rushmere Road. About £800 was also taken from a property in Bixley Road.

Swaley-Smith was arrested in Ipswich in August.

Choosing to work with officers after being charged and entering a guilty plea, 21 additional thefts and attempted burglaries were uncovered and taken into consideration as part of Operation Converter.

It was revealed that Swaley-Smith was responsible for the theft of three bronze statues, valued at about £10,000, in Long Melford.

For the other burglaries – which took place in May, June, July and August – Swaley-Smith stole various goods, including an Amazon kindle, jewellery, power tools and golf clubs.

During one incident, a small Honda motorbike was taken, and, in another, a trailer was used to transport items of gardening equipment, and mechanic tools were stolen.

These 21 thefts took place in Long Melford, Bures, Little Cornard and Ipswich.

The judge sentenced Swaley-Smith to four years and seven months in prison.

Detective Inspector Richard Prouse described Swaley-Smith as a ‘prolific burglar’ who preyed on people’s homes.

He said: “His actions caused widespread misery, distress and upset for his victims.

“He will now have plenty of time in jail to reflect on his brazen and callous criminal behaviour where he showed little or no regard for his victims.

“We know burglary can have a devastating effect on the victims and the prevention of burglary, and the conviction of burglars continues to be a priority for police.”

Detective Constable Barry Simpson, who worked as part of Operation Converter, said Swaley-Smith admitted the string of other burglaries whilst on remand.

He hoped his conviction would bring closure to those he affected.

Det Con Simpson added: “The Operation Converter process will allow him to be released from prison at the end of his sentence with a clean slate and it also provides a positive outcome to his victims.”