Jail for Norwich burglar who stole �46,000 of stock from opticians’ shop

A burglar who stole more than �46,000 worth of stock from a Norwich opticians has been jailed.

Wayne Robertson, 31, of Morley Street, Norwich, appeared at Norwich Crown Court yesterday.

He admitted burgling Dollond and Aitchison, in Castle Street, Norwich, twice and also admitted burgling two homes in Norwich.

In addition, Robertson asked for 65 other offences, mostly for burglary, to be taken into account.

Judge Simon Barham sentenced Robertson to three years in prison.

Rachel Cushing, prosecuting, said Robertson had burgled Dollond and Aitchison twice in June. The first time he had taken stock worth a total retail value of �33,850 and when he returned for a second time, he took stock with a total retail value of �12,711.

Mrs Cushing said Robertson had also burgled a home in Morley Street in July. She said the victims had been away on holiday and had been contacted by one of their bank card issuers to tell them one of their cards had been used in Chapelfield shopping centre. CCTV footage showed Robertson making a purchase with the card.

She said when the victims had returned home, they found that their bank cards were at their home, but that documents had been moved around. She said the victims were so upset by what happened that they have moved away.

Mrs Cushing said the fourth burglary happened in August at a home in Churchill Road when Robertson took a number of items including a laptop computer, �400 in cash as well as two mobile phones.

John Morgans, mitigating, said at the time of the burglaries, Robertson had had a significant drug problem, but that he was now determined to turn over a new leaf.

He said with the support of the 180 Degree Scheme, aimed at helping offenders when they are released from custody, Robertson hopes he will stay away from drugs and will go into paid employment.