Repeat burglar jailed after break-ins at Norwich home and bar
Third-strike offender sentenced to more than two years behind bars
A repeat burglar who broke into a Norwich home before fleeing when confronted by the owner has been jailed.
Stephen Robbens, 56, of Millers Lane, admitted two burglaries and a separate shop theft after being investigated by Norfolk Police's Op Converter team.
Robbens was caught on CCTV entering a property in Mile Cross Lane on 4 February, where he searched through a handbag in the kitchen. He ran off empty-handed after the homeowner heard the back door open and disturbed him.
CCTV also linked him to a burglary at a Norwich bar on 25 February, where shutters were damaged and alcohol worth more than £330 was stolen.
Appearing at Norwich Crown Court on 4 June, Robbens was sentenced to 876 days in prison and ordered to pay £228.
Police described him as a "habitual and opportunistic offender" and said the sentence reflects efforts to bring repeat criminals before the courts.
Robbens was sentenced under rules covering so-called "third-strike" burglars – offenders convicted of burglary on at least three occasions, including one as an adult.