Man jailed after burgling house and climbing onto roof to evade police

A man has been jailed after he admitted to burgling a house in Cheltenham and climbing onto the roof to evade police.

Winston Allen, aged 59 and formerly of High Street in Cheltenham, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Thursday 16 January where he was sentenced to two years and four months in prison.

The court heard how the victim, who was out of the country at the time, had been alerted to the presence of an intruder inside their home address in the Leckhampton area on the evening of Tuesday 5 November 2024.

An automatic alert had been sent from the victim's security system and they described seeing a male figure wearing dark clothing and carrying a torch walking from one room to another.

The victim, unable to call 999 from abroad, telephoned a family member who rang police on their behalf

Police officers attended within a few minutes and put a containment on the address as a neighbour had confirmed hearing noises from within the house and had not seen anyone leave.

Officers entered through the front of the house and saw someone leaving by the back door. Colleagues at the rear of the premises then saw the man scale a wall and climb onto the roof of an adjoining building.

Allen was recognised and identified as being the man who had left the address. He remained on the roof, pacing and apparently looking for an alternative means of escape for approximately 40 minutes.

He was seen to throw items from the roof into neighbouring gardens and after a period of time, climbed back down from the roof and was arrested on suspicion of burglary.

On being booked into custody, Allen was found in possession of a gold chain and earrings which were later identified by the victim as having come from within their house.

One of the earrings and a torch were located on the roof of the house and the victim confirmed it belonged to them.

Allen was interviewed by officers and quickly admitted to burgling the address and stealing the items of jewellery.

He was subsequently charged with burglary dwelling with intent to steal and later pleaded guilty to the offence. Allen also admitted to committing another burglary on the same night which was taken into consideration when he was sentenced. 

A Silver Rolex watch, which was found in Allen’s possession, was also identified as being stolen from another burglary which he had admitted to committing on the same night. This was taken into consideration when he was sentenced. 

As well as being jailed, Allen was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

Investigating officer PC Sheer from the Cheltenham Vanguard Team said: “Being burgled can have a devastating impact on victims leaving them feeling vulnerable in their own homes.

“It is hoped that Allen’s arrest, charge and sentencing shows how dedicated we are to taking burglars off the streets and helping to ensure the residents of Cheltenham’s homes are safe.”

Winston Allen

 

Winston Allen BWV for issue.mp4

 

An earring found in situ on the roof of the burgled address

 

The previous earring once recovered

 

A gold chain and pouch found in Allen's possession

 

Silver Rolex watch stolen during separate burglary which was taken into consideration