A man has been sentenced to three years in prison for a series of burglary and theft offences committed in the Bury St Edmunds area, highlighting the devastating impact crime can have on local communities.
Matthew Eke, 47, formerly of Thetford, was sentenced today, Friday 16 August, at Ipswich Crown Court after pleading guilty to 11 offences carried out between 7 June and 1 July this year. His crimes included four counts of dwelling burglary, attempted burglary, burglary with intent to steal, fraud by false representation, and thefts from shops and bicycles.
Eke was arrested in Bury St Edmunds on 1 July after being identified through CCTV and forensic evidence. While in custody, Eke was further investigated by the Operation Converter Units of both Norfolk and Suffolk Police. During extensive interviews, he admitted to an additional 19 offences, which he requested to be considered in his sentencing.
These further offences included seven dwelling burglaries, three commercial burglaries, three thefts from dwellings, one theft from a person, and five shop thefts across Thetford and Bury St Edmunds. The stolen goods from these crimes totalled £2,112 and were committed between May and July of this year.
Duncan Etchells, Police Staff Supervisor, welcomed the sentencing, stating: “This offender was initially investigated by both uniformed and CID officers from Bury St Edmunds, and without their diligence and hard work, he would not have been charged and remanded for the 11 offences. The Operation Converter Units then linked him to even more offences across Bury St Edmunds and Thetford, which he admitted to as part of his desire to put his criminality behind him.”
He added, “Eke's crimes have had a significant impact on his many victims, who have been left feeling vulnerable and violated. We ensured that he confronted the consequences of his actions, with the hope that he will reflect on the harm he has caused and seek the help he needs to break his cycle of offending.”
Operation Converter is an initiative that encourages offenders to admit to their crimes, providing closure for victims and allowing the offender to clear their slate, giving them the opportunity for a fresh start upon release.
The impact of crimes such as these extends beyond the immediate victims, affecting the sense of safety and well-being within the wider community. The sentencing of Eke serves as a reminder of the importance of diligent policing in protecting our neighbourhoods and supporting those affected by crime.
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