A burglar who struck three times at homes in Holbeach, including stealing a vicar’s car, has been jailed for two years.
Joshua Lawrence-West, 23, of no fixed address, admitted three burglaries at The Lawns on July 1, Fleet Lodge on June 26, and Church Street on June 4.
Lawrence-West also pleaded guilty to the theft of a car that belonged to The Reverend Sherine Angus following the Church Street burglary.
He also admitted two counts of fraud by false representation.
A second man, Daniel Smith, 26, of Pheasant Street, Holbeach, also admitted taking part in the Fleet Lodge house burglary on June 26 after being encouraged by Lawrence-West.
Lincoln Crown Court heard Lawrence-West carried out the first burglary on June 4 when Rev Sherine was woken by her barking dog.
David Eager, prosecuting, said the owner’s teenage daughter noticed a damaged window and their rear gate was open when she woke the next morning.
Further checks showed damage to the family’s television and a missing bank card and set of car keys.
Mr Eager said: “The owner’s car was fitted with a locator and showed it was now in Whaplode. It was recovered by the police but had sustained £3,000 damage.”
A letter in the name of Joshua Lawrence-West was also found on Rev Sherine’s lawn.
She also received a phonecall from her bank telling her that her card had been declined for a £6.60 food transaction at the Co-op store in Holbeach.
CCTV from the householder showed Lawrence-West was joined by Smith when a second burglary occurred at Fleet Lodge on the afternoon of June 26.
When the home owner returned from work he discovered two bikes had been stolen along with other items including an SLR camera and a set of commemorative coins.
Entry had been gained through a damaged window.
The final burglary occurred on July 1 at The Lawns when the home owners noticed a man walking on their land.
Mr Eager said they returned home to find several items missing including a bank card and £500 in cash.
The card was later declined for a £69 transaction at the Factory Shop in Holbeach for a tracksuit.
Neil Sands, mitigating for Lawrence-West, said he had suffered a troubled upbringing but had reached the age of 22 without getting into serious trouble.
“It shows there is clearly hope for this young man who has shown genuine remorse,” Mr Sands added.
Stephen Taylor, mitigating for Smith, said he had already spent three months in custody and urged the court to pass a sentence which would help him.
Passing sentence Judge James House KC said at least two of the burglaries took place at isolated locations on the outskirts of Holbeach and had left the owners feeling less safe.
Jailing him for two years, Judge House said he accepted Lawrence-West had grown up in unequal circumstances after being in care.
Judge House said Smith had played a lesser role and sentenced him to nine months imprisonment suspended for 18 months.
As part of the order Smith must also complete 50 rehabilitation activity requirement days and four months of electronic monitoring.
