Charity shop burglars who caused 'havoc' in Stafford are jailed
Two burglars who caused mayhem in a town centre following a spate of break-ins at businesses and charity shops have been jailed.
John Clive, 34, and Mark Andrea, 32, stole cigarettes, alcohol and hundreds of pounds in cash during the series of burglaries in Stafford in February and March, Stafford Crown Court heard.
But they were caught with the help of CCTV footage in the town centre.
Andrea, who admitted two counts of burglary was handed a three-year prison term.
Clive pleaded guilty to five charges of burglary and possession of a Class B drug and was jailed for two years and four months.
The two men, both of no fixed address, were each ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge.
They were also made the subject of a criminal behaviour order for three years, which includes being prohibited from entering an exclusion zone in Stafford town centre between 6pm and 7am.
Det Const Sally Dean said: "Over a two month period Clive and Andrea caused havoc amongst small business owners in Stafford who had their premises broken into and earnings affected by their actions.
"They were linked to the burglaries through forensic evidence and CCTV footage before being brought before the courts.
"We are committed to working to proactively prevent burglaries, but when they do happen we will investigate and bring those responsible to justice."
