Northampton burglary trio jailed for 18 years after six-month crime spree against more than 50 shops

Three Northampton men responsible for a string of more than 50 burglaries against shops and stores have been jailed for a total of 18 years between them.

Over the course of six months, Otis William Barrett, 26, Matthew Lawrence Brown, 30, and Terrance Mark Brown, 25, forced their way into dozens of commercial properties in the Midlands to steal thousands of pounds of goods at a time.

Their targets ranged from well-known stores including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Co-Op and Morrisons, as well as smaller shops including independent newsagents.

They even broke into the Thackerays clothing store in Northampton twice in one week, stealing thousands of pounds worth of designer clothing each time.

On some occasions, the trio would attack several stores in one night, over several counties.

The organised crime group targeted five different counties in their spree. They stole nearly £300,000 worth of cigarettes and caused more than £115,000 of damage forcing their way into the stores.

To gain entry to each premise, they forced their way in using power tools and crow bars, wearing balaclavas and gloves to hide their identities. Stolen cars and numerous stolen number plates were also used in order to evade police detection.

Their offending carried on throughout the Covid-19 lockdown - until finally their spree was brought to an end when they were caught on May 1, 2020 after burgling Tesco Express in Coppice Drive, Northampton.

All three men pleaded guilty to the offences at Northampton Crown Court.

Otis William Barrett, 26, previously of Banbury Close, Northampton, was handed a jail term of six years and four months.

Matthew Lawrence Brown, 30, previously of Crow Lane, Northampton, and Terrance Mark Brown, 25, previously of Glebeland Road, Northampton, were both jailed for six years each.

On sentencing, Judge Herbert stated they were “determined, professional and a serious caliber of criminal.”

Lead Investigator, DC Emma Howe, said: “This commercial burglary series was undertaken by very organised, professional criminals, who stole hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of goods from commercial premises across the region.

“The Serious and Organised Crime Team have been working relentlessly in order to bring this group of criminals to justice and I’m really pleased that they have now been convicted of their crimes and sent to jail.

“This was a very long and difficult investigation that I am pleased has concluded with the right result. Countless commercial burglaries have been prevented as a result and I’m glad there has been justice for the victims of these 52 crimes who have had to pay the price for this trio’s destructive behaviour.”