Jail for burglar who struck at homes across Castle Bromwich

REMORSE: Alex Humphries

A THIEF who targeted a string of homes across Castle Bromwich has said he’s ready to “pay the consequences” for what he’s done.

Alex Humphries, 20, of no fixed abode, has admitted 19 burglaries or attempted burglaries, most of which took place in the North Solihull suburb last summer.

He took a total of seven cars from driveways, after forcing open patio doors or fishing through letter boxes to get his hands on the keys.

But after being caught and shown letters written by his victims, Humphries apologised and said he “deeply regretted” his actions.

In a handwritten statement, he wrote: “I didn’t have any money and so turned to crime.

“It won’t happen again: I’ve learned my lesson, I want to pay the consequences and then return to being a productive member of society."

Last Friday (May 23), Warwick Crown Court sentenced him to two years in a youth detention facility.

Humphries, who was only 19 when he carried out the crime spree, struck at streets including Water Orton Road, Chester Road, Lyndon Close, Whittleford Grove, Sudeley Close, Tomlinson Road and Milebush Avenue.

The spate of break-ins took place between May-July last year. He also owned up to burglaries in Knowle and Stone, Staffordshire.

Officers eventually caught up with the crook after a Skoda he’d stolen in Knowle was spotted parked up in Shard End on July 18 last year.

Speaking after sentencing, Det Con Dave Bailey said that he hoped Humphries would not revert to his old ways.

“These weren’t professional, planned jobs and on more than one occasion he fled having been disturbed by residents in addresses he’d targeted.
“He is still a young man and I hope he is true to his word, reflects on the hurt he’s caused and works with probation to better his life and stay out of trouble.”