Away-day burglar jailed for four years

A PROLIFIC burglar from Oldham travelled by train to Shropshire to break into houses.

Gary Paul Mayall (36), of Roundthorn Road was jailed for four years eight months after being caught thanks to sharp-eyed residents, who contacted police when they saw him acting suspiciously.

Mayall admitted burglary at a home in Church Stretton last November 28; attempted burglary at a neighbouring house the same day and burglary of a home in Newlands Drive, Leominster, on November 23 when he appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court. He asked for nine similar offences in Shrewsbury and Leominster to be taken into account.

Detective Inspector Peter Brophy, said: “Mayall was a travelling criminal who came to Shropshire and Herefordshire to break into people’s homes. He is a prolific burglar with a long list of crimes to his name.

“Several local people called police when they spotted Mayall acting suspiciously. Our officers more or less caught him in the act.”