WEST Mercia cops move fast to get a burglar in front of Kidderminster magistrates who jailed him after a house raid

Ashley Barnes was sentenced for the house burglary in Battenhall in Worcester at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on August 17 - the day after he carried out the failed raid. The 34-year-old was jailed for 29 weeks in total.

Police descended on Battenhall in force on Wednesday (August 16) and made the arrest as the house breaker was cornered in a garden in Timberdine Avenue. 

Barnes of Sansome Place was Worcester was also subject to a 12-week suspended sentence order at the time of the burglary and thefts which was activated in full.

Kidderminster Shuttle: FAST: DI Dave Knight welcomed the efforts of officers in bringing Ashley Barnes to justice so swiftly FAST: DI Dave Knight welcomed the efforts of officers in bringing Ashley Barnes to justice so swiftly (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

He received 17 weeks for the prison sentence which will run consecutively to a 12 week suspended sentence, making the 29 week total.

No separate penalties were imposed for a shop theft at JD Sport in The Shambles on Wednesday or an earlier shop theft on Tuesday.

DI Dave Knight said: “This is great example of multiple police units working together including the Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team and the Worcester Safer Neighbourhood Team.

"The efforts of the officers on the ground and the hard work overnight by officers working excessive hours secured the charging authority from CPS which ultimately led to this swift result. South Worcestershire Police take acquisitive crime seriously and work hard to ensure thieves are brought to justice.”

A suspect was later tracked down and found in a garden on Timberdine Avenue and arrested at around 10.40am on Wednesday. 

City centre police were supported by officers from the new Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team who were also on patrol in the area at the time.

A spokesperson for Worcester SNT said: "This was a great result for the community, apprehending and arresting a suspected shoplifter so swiftly after the alarm was raised.

“We were able to do this thanks to support of our colleagues in the Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team."

There were large numbers of police seen in Battenhall Road.