A thorough investigation by detectives from Surrey Police’s Pro-active Investigation Team has resulted in a burglar being sentenced to three years in prison.

Andrew Inniss, 41, of no fixed abode, targeted a house in Butlers Dene Road, Woldingham, on Thursday, 17 September, stealing more than £7,700 worth of valuables.

Inniss, who is unemployed, used a garden ornament to smash his way into the house stealing jewellery including diamond earrings worth £4,000, a gold bangle worth £500 and pearl and diamond earrings worth £500. Inniss used pillowcases he stole from the property to carry his loot away.

Inniss pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on 11 December.

Detective Inspector Richard Hamlin, who leads the Pro-active Investigation Team, said: "Inniss' three-year imprisonment is a substantial sentence which reflects the seriousness of his offending.

"Inniss pleaded guilty to this burglary which I hope helped bring peace of mind to his victim. However, he stole sentimental items of jewellery which we have not yet recovered.

"I would like to commend the excellent work of the forensic officers, investigators and prosecutors who, by working together as a team, secured this conviction."

Woldingham Police Community Support Officer Clive Harris-Ross added: "This burglary devastated the victim but I hope they, and the wider Woldingham community, will be reassured and feel safer in the knowledge Inniss is behind bars. Using my local knowledge I was able to work with detectives to identify Inniss as being the person responsible for this burglary. Local neighbourhood officers often work collaboratively with detectives to bring offenders of crime to justice ensuring those who live in our communities are safe and feel safe."

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