Winwick Burglar Behind Bars

 

A burglar who targeted social clubs across outlying Warrington villages has been handed two years behind bars.

Last Thursday at Chester Crown Court, 41 year old Thomas Sweeney, previously of Molyneux Close in Huyton, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to two burglaries that took place last year at Winwick Leisure Centre and Culcheth Sports Club.

On 28th March 2011, Sweeney entered the private office quarters of the Winwick Leisure Centre and stole a laptop and a projector. Just days later on 31 March, Sweeney broke into Culcheth Sports Club on Charnock Road in Culcheth and attacked the gaming machines inside the premises to steal cash. Following an indepth investigation by officers from Warrington West Neighbourhood Policing Team, Sweeney was charged with the burglaries in August 2011 and subsequently handed a twenty four month prison sentence for his crimes.

Speaking after sentencing, Inspector Dave Griffiths who heads up Warrington West Neighbourhood Policing Team said "Crimes such as this can have a profound impact upon rural villages, where the backbone of the community is often focused around local social clubs and community events. The financial effects of crime upon small locally funded organisations, like these, can put their very existence at risk. Sweeney targeted these establishments because he thought he would not be caught. The work of my officers in identifying him as a suspect, completing a thorough investigation into his movements, and putting him before the courts, is indicative of the professionalism and dedication of our team. This conviction is further proof of our determination to catch these people, and to reduce burglary offences in our area"