Burglar jailed after stealing from a dead woman’s house in Soham
A man living in a tent near a sewage works was caught stealing from a woman’s house less than two weeks after she had died.
Carl Scarrow was caught by police climbing out the window of a house in The Causeway, Soham, with socks over his hands and holding a torch on April 20.
A neighbour had called 999 after hearing noises coming from the house and knowing the owner had died 13 days before.
When police challenged Scarrow, 34, he said he was collecting some of his items from a friend's house.
When he was told he was under arrest he attempted to run but was tackled to the ground.
During a struggle, he broke an officer's glasses, causing damage worth £270.
Eventually Scarrow calmed down and was handcuffed.
Most Read
- 1 Pedestrian struck on Ely Road in Littleport
- 2 21st century agreement on future of 17th century pub
- 3 ‘It’s sadly coming to a natural end’ - restaurant to close its doors by August
- 4 Littleport 'hit and run' on Victoria Street
- 5 Council bans use of agricultural land to extend garden
- 6 Former Baptist chapel to be turned into four-bedroom house
- 7 Councillor hits out at 'huge intransigence' over splash pad project
- 8 Shoplifter, 33, who assaulted woman is on the run
- 9 Mexican restaurant to open inside former Frankie & Benny's in Ely
- 10 Florist 'busier than ever' hoping to build from lockdown success
A bag being carried by a female accomplice was searched and five TV remotes, a video camera and a device to check blood sugar levels were discovered, all from the property.
Scarrow, from Soham but living in a tent near a sewage works, pleaded not guilty but on May 24 was found guilty of dwelling burglary and obstructing a constable in their duty. He was sentenced to 12 months in jail.
DC Jennifer Park said: "Scarrow may have thought he was in luck in finding an empty house, but the work of our officers and the sentence given to him have shown this is not the case.
"As a force we are always working to tackle burglary and make our communities a safer place to live in."
For online burglary prevention advice visit: www.cambs.police.uk/A-Z/Burglary
Anyone with information about burglary should call police on 101 or visit www.cambs.police.uk/report
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org
