Burglar Convicted After Raid on Student Accommodation in Lincoln
A man has been handed a three-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of committing a burglary in Brayford Court, a student accommodation centre in Lincoln city centre. Stephen Scrimshaw, a 46-year-old resident of Carr Street, was charged with burglary after he was found to have stolen numerous valuable items from a flat within the accommodation complex.
Stephen Scrimshaw's Crime
On January 26, around 2.46 am, Scrimshaw opened a window of a flat, entered it, and proceeded to steal an Oculus Rift 2 virtual reality headset, a laptop, some debit cards, and various accessories. He also took a few green 'bag for life' style carrier bags. He was initially bailed after being charged on May 9 but was remanded into custody in July after breaching this bail. His trial took place on September 20, after which he was given his sentence.
Investigation Process
The local police conducted a comprehensive investigation following the report of the burglary. They started by questioning residents in the vicinity before carefully examining CCTV footage and forensic evidence, which conclusively linked Scrimshaw to the crime. The footage showed Scrimshaw entering the premises at Brayford Court with nothing yet leaving with two bag-for-life style carriers and a blue rucksack.
Evidence Linking Scrimshaw to the Crime
The investigation found multiple pieces of evidence that matched Scrimshaw to the crime. His clothing, as seen in the footage, which included distinctive Nike trainers, a blue ribbed jacket, black balaclava, and dark blue trousers, was a significant identifier. His face was also partially visible in some of the footage. Furthermore, a footprint found on the windowsill of the burgled flat corresponded with the kind of Nike trainers that Scrimshaw was wearing. Cyber investigators examining his phone also discovered text messages indicating he had the stolen Oculus Rift.
"Tell your lad if he got £300 I sell him Octylus Rift [sic]," a text message from Scrimshaw read.
DC Richard Morley, the investigating officer commented on the case, acknowledging the stress and fear a burglary incident can cause, especially with costs of living on the rise. He added that the case demonstrated Lincolnshire Police's determination to thoroughly investigate every report of burglary to ensure a safer living environment in Lincolnshire.