Crime
Patio door smashing burglar caught and jailed
![](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/john-stanley-4-scaled.jpg)
A prolific burglar was jailed for more than two years after being caught in the act on CCTV cameras.
John Stanley, 46, of Royston Road, Wendens Ambo, Essex, was first captured on doorbell footage rattling the front door handle of a property in School Road, Upwell, in December last year.
![](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/john-stanley-2.jpg)
He smashed the rear patio doors before making off from the address.
In April, this year he was captured on CCTV trying to enter a garage in Church Street, Whaddon.
The owner of the property woke up to find a lawnmower and pizza oven missing from his shed.
Stanley was arrested on 21 April in Essex and found in possession of a stolen Mini Cooper.
![](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/john-stanley.jpg)
At Cambridge Crown Court on Wednesday (12 October) Stanley pleaded guilty to attempted burglary, non-dwelling burglary and handling stolen goods.
He was sentenced to two years and ten months in prison.
![](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/john-stanley-3.jpg)
Detective Constable Henry Longhurst, who investigated, said: “Stanley is a prolific burglar who has been targeting homes across the county. The county will be a safer place while he is prison for the winter months and beyond.”
John Stanley and two CCTV images used to catch him.