Jailed: Masked burglars caught 'red-handed' with bolt cutters attempting Doncaster break-in

Two masked burglars caught ‘red-handed’ trying to break into a Yorkshire home with bolt cutters in the middle of the night have been jailed.

Russell Riley and Peter Coulthread were caught attempting to break into the Bawtry Road property last month.

The pair, who were found with bolt cutters, a metal pole, gloves and masks, were spotted by the homeowner and arrested less than 20 minutes later.

Police found evidence at the house that they were intending to burgle, and they were charged with multiple offences.

Riley, 46, and Coulthread, 47, both of Cardigan Road, Doncaster, pleaded guilty to attempted burglary, going equipped to steal and attempted theft.

Riley also admitted possessing a knife or blade in a public article after a lock knife was found in his possession.

Riley was jailed for two years and 10 months, with Coulthread jailed for two years and eight months.

Detective Constable Mark Parry from South Yorkshire Police said: "Burglary is an offence that strikes at the heart of people's sense of safety and we take it incredibly seriously.

"We know how important it is for victims to see swift actions and justice delivered. In this instance, our officers acted quickly to apprehend Riley and Coulthread and build a robust case that stood up in court.

"Our ongoing efforts as part of Operation Castle continue and this year alone, detectives have secured over 60 years of prison sentences against burglars and would-be burglars who have targeted Doncaster homes.

"Offenders targeting homes and businesses in Doncaster should be in no doubt that with every case we cover, we gain more and more intelligence around patterns of offending and the tactics being used.

"We will find out, we will gather the evidence needed to secure charges and we will seek to ensure justice is delivered on behalf of any victim of a residential burglary in Doncaster."