A burglar who broke into a pizza shop and a newsagent in Croxley Green has been sentenced to more than two years in prison.
Connor O’Sullivan-Smith, 30, of New Street in Paignton, Devon, received a prison term of two years and two months after pleading guilty to:
- Burglary (one count) of Croxley Supermarket
- Criminal damage (one count) of Farmhouse Pizza
- Assault of an emergency worker (two counts)
The court heard how in the early hours of Friday, November 8, 2024, O’Sullivan-Smith and his co-defendant Niall Daly broke into Croxley Stores on Watford Road with the intention of stealing cigarettes.
Two members of the public called police after witnessing the suspicious activity. Officers from the Three Rivers Intervention Team quickly arrived on scene where they found the shutters on the front of the newsagents had been forced.
They contained O’Sullivan-Smith and Daly – who had filled a bag with cigarettes – inside the building. The pair attempted to escape by punching a hole in the adjoining wall between the newsagent and the pizza takeaway next door.
They also threw glass bottles at officers during the incident, but thankfully no one was injured. They were both arrested after being found hiding inside Farmhouse Pizza before being swiftly taken into custody.
Sergeant Darren Machin, from the Three Rivers Local Crime Unit, said: “Thanks to calls from two members of the public, we were able to catch O’Sullivan-Smith and Daly in the act. It just goes to show that it’s vital to call us straight away if you think a crime is in progress. If something doesn’t feel right, or you think someone is in danger, dial 999.
“The damage caused to the newsagent in this incident affected the owner’s livelihood while they had to get the shutters repaired and tidy up the mess inside.
“I’m pleased that both O’Sullivan-Smith and Daly have received custodial sentenced for their crimes, and I hope it serves as a warning to would-be criminals who are considering targeting Three Rivers; we will not tolerate our hard-working businesses being targeted by those who choose to steal what does not belong to them.”
The sentencing comes at a time when the constabulary is focusing on driving down retail crime in town centres, in line with a national initiative led by the Home Office. The aim of the #SaferTownCentres campaign is to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour in town centres and ensure visible, meaningful consequences for those responsible.
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