Doncaster burglars jailed after middle of the night break-in
They were caught with bolt cutters, a metal pole, gloves and masks
Last updated 19th Aug 2026
Two Doncaster burglars have been jailed for five years combined, over a middle of the night break-in.
Russell Riley and Peter Coulthread were spotted by a homeowner armed with bolt cutters, a metal pole, gloves and masks on Bawtry Road last month.
They were arrested less than 20 minutes later.
Riley, 46, and Coulthread, 47, both of Cardigan Road, admitted y to attempted burglary, going equipped to steal and attempted theft.
Riley also admitted possessing a knife or blade.
He will serve two years ten months, while Coulthread has been handed two years eight months.
Detective Constable Mark Parry,of South Yorkshire Police, said:
"Burglary is an offence that strikes at the heart of people's sense of safety and we take it incredibly seriously.
"We know how important it is for victims to see swift actions and justice delivered. In this instance, our officers acted quickly to apprehend Riley and Coulthread and build a robust case that stood up in court.
"Our ongoing efforts as part of Operation Castle continue and this year alone, detectives have secured over 60 years of prison sentences against burglars and would-be burglars who have targeted Doncaster homes.
"Offenders targeting homes and businesses in Doncaster should be in no doubt that with every case we cover, we gain more and more intelligence around patterns of offending and the tactics being used.
"We will find out, we will gather the evidence needed to secure charges and we will seek to ensure justice is delivered on behalf of any victim of a residential burglary in Doncaster."