'Essential' - Police issue doorbell camera advice to homeowners as burglar is jailed

Police in Yorkshire have issued advice to homeowners after a burglar was put behind bars following a string of offences.

South Yorkshire Police said the use of a doorbell camera was ‘essential’ in capturing Shaquille Brown, who was seen trying door handles in the Colley Road area of Sheffield on June 12.

Clear stills of the man were handed to officers who were able to identify Brown as the culprit, which led to his arrest.

The 31-year-old admitted the attempted burglary offences ad was jailed for 18 months on September 24.

Sheffield Crown Court heard Brown told police he had come out of jail with no accommodation and only £30 to his name, leading him to see if any doors were unlocked in the hope of finding cash.

Prosecutor Mark Thomas said one of Brown’s would-be victims was awake when he tried her door at 3.40am.

He said: “She describes standing in her kitchen when her motion sensor triggered. She said this left her too worried to sleep or check the footage.

“She watched the footage the next day and saw the defendant trying her door handle.”

The camera also caught the 31-year-old trying two of her neighbours’ houses as well.

While in custody, he was interviewed by officers where he admitted the attempted burglaries on Colley Road.

His defence barrister, Emma Handley, said: “That evening, he was trying to gain access to cash or bank cards so he could buy himself food. This is a vicious cycle that he lives in.”

Speaking after his sentencing, Detective Sergeant Thomas Jordan, of South Yorkshire Police, said: "We know the lasting impact being burgled can have on people.

"We should all feel safe in our homes and sadly criminals, like Brown, do not care who they target and are usually looking for an easy opportunity to break-in to a property.

"We continue to identify and respond to neighbourhood crime trends and are developing problem oriented plans to tackle these. I would also urge you to look what steps you can take to make your home less of a target to burglars.

"The use of a doorbell camera was essential in us identifying Brown and ensuring he spends time behind bars for his crimes.

“Also consider using a light timer switch if you won't be home before dark, ensuring all you side gates, doors and windows are locked when you leave your home, and fitting a good quality security alarm system."