Scott Bennett targeted several properties in the Lowedges and Batemoor areas of the city on the evening of Monday 16 January (2023), into the early hours of Tuesday (17 January 2023).
He first targeted a property on Norton Lane, entering through an unlocked door. The occupant’s dog started to bark, startling Bennett, who was then chased from the property by the resident.
Bennett moved on to a property on Batemoor Road, where he was captured on CCTV. The occupant was alerted to the movement outside, checked the camera feed and saw Bennett putting his hands through the letterbox. Despite flashing the security lights, this didn’t deter Bennett, who only fled when the resident turned on the alarm.
He next targeted a locked shed at a property on James Andrew Crescent in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The occupant heard noise in their garden, saw Bennett and called police.
PC Katie Gillatt from Sheffield CID said: “Bennett targeted multiple properties in one evening on some kind of burglary spree, with one motive only: to steal from local residents.
“He was disturbed while searching for valuables and left properties empty-handed, but instead of stopping he simply moved onto the next house and tried again. He showed no empathy or regard for his victims and when we arrested Bennett that night, he was in possession of a hammer and two screwdrivers – clearly demonstrating his intention to commit burglaries.”
Officers were sent to the burglaries as they were reported, where witness accounts described, and CCTV footage showed, an individual in a high-vis jacket. Bennett was identified as the primary suspect and was wearing the high-vis jacket when he was arrested.
PC Gillatt added: “You have likely heard police say this before, but it really can’t be understated just how significant an impact burglary has on victims. Even if items aren’t stolen, the thought of knowing a stranger has invaded your personal space can leave victims feeling uneasy and uncomfortable.
“Those who commit burglary have no compassion for their victims, but we do, and we are determined to identify those committing burglaries and bringing them before the courts.”
Bennett, formerly of Batemoor Road, Sheffield, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday 10 July where he was sentenced to 50 months in prison.
He pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary, one count of attempted burglary and one count of going equipped for burglary at a hearing in May.