TWO burglars who caused more than £100,000 worth of damage to a recently-closed pub have been put behind bars.
Detectives have welcomed the sentencing of two men after burglary and criminal damage at the former Game Bird pub on the East Lancashire Road last month.
Christopher Joseph Shelley, 47, of Delfby Crescent, Kirkby, and Vincent Paul Jackson, 42, of Norbury Road, Kirkby, were each sentenced for burglary and criminal damage at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, June 12.
At around 2.45pm on Thursday, May, 14, police were called to the disused pub after the alarm was activated.
Shelley was found nearby in possession of stolen materials, namely copper wiring and a water tank.
Meanwhile, Jackson was found attempting to hide in a barn in farmland following a containment of the area and a foot pursuit, involving police dog, Ghost, and his handler PC Jon Bland.
PD Ghost and PC Bland then seized a pair of gloves and a hat as part of a property search.
During the burglary, water pipes were deliberately cut, causing severe flooding and damage to gas, electrical and air-conditioning systems. The estimated damage caused was in excess of £100,000.
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Both men were further arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
Both men pleaded guilty last month, and were sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to two years and four months imprisonment.
The Star reported in April after the Game Bird pub was closed.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Jimmy Rotheram said: "The stress and inconvenience caused by the greedy and reckless antics of Shelley and Jackson are clear to see from the videos of the criminal damage and destruction they left in their wake.
"Burglary at business premises has serious consequences and we hope today's outcome act as a deterrent to anyone seeing an empty businesses as a treasure trove.
"The alarm notified our officers and within minutes, both men were detained. Much like the Wet Bandits in Home Alone, they are back where they belong - prison."
Inspector Phil McManus, from Merseyside Police's Matrix Dogs and Mounted Unit, added: "We are so proud of PD Ghost and PC Bland.
"They are a new team within our dog unit, and the search last month was a demonstration of strong handling, effective tracking and excellent teamwork from PD Ghost and all of our officers who attended the scene.
"Our dogs and handlers are a highly trained unit responsible for tackling serious crime, tracking suspects, and locating items including drugs, cash, firearms, and explosives. You can follow their social media to hear about all their great work @MerPolDogs on X."
Always call 999 if a burglary is in progress. Any other information on suspected burglary or the handling of stolen goods, please contact us via X or Facebook @MerPolCC. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or by calling 101
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously
Advice for businesses can be found here: Business crime prevention | Merseyside Police
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