James Smith ordered to wear electronic tag in connection with multiple crimes in Norfolk and north Suffolk
A man responsible for multiple crimes across two counties has been ordered to wear an electronic tag.
James Smith, 47, of Stracey Road, Norwich, has been connected to more than 10 incidents across Norfolk and north Suffolk between March and May of this year.
Those included assaults, shoplifting, commercial break-ins, which targeted premises such as pubs, takeaways and shops in Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.
He appeared before Norwich Crown Court yesterday for sentencing having admitted to two assaults, theft of a handbag, three burglaries, two attempted burglaries, two theft from shops, possession of cannabis and one assault of a prison custody officer.
The court said he must wear an electronic tag for six months, engage with mental health treatment for 12 months and comply with a rehabilitation activity of up to 25 days.
Duncan Etchells, staff supervisor for Op Converter, said: "Smith is a prolific offender who targeted businesses across Norfolk showing no regard for the harm his actions were causing.
"This was great police work from local officers involved in identifying and then gathering evidence to convict Smith and shows how committed Norfolk Police is to protecting hard-working businesses from Smith and others like him."
Smith was caught on CCTV and recognised by officers in some incidents and investigators compiled five cases against him.
As he was a suspect in a number of similar crimes, he was approached by officers from Operation Converter.
Following further investigations by this team, Smith asked for 12 other offences to be taken into consideration by the court, some dating back four years.
Among them were businesses in Holt, Great Yarmouth, Sheringham and Cromer, which Smith had entered by stealth or force, often smashing a door or window and grabbing money from the till.
He was variously connected to all the crimes via CCTV, DNA or fingerprints.
The TIC offences all took place between August 15, 2020 and May 16, 2024.
At times he was able to take items or cash worth over £200, at others he fled empty handed but left behind repair bills of close to £800 for his victims.
