Burglars Jailed After Terrifying Family

Two burglars who terrified a family in Houghton on the Hill have each been jailed for more than three years.

The homeowner dialled 999 after spotting the men on CCTV in his garden and while talking to the police operator, they broke into the house.

Fearing they would be attacked, the occupants locked themselves in the bathroom and could hear the burglars searching the house, before making their escape.

Frank Stanley, 21, and Tom Smith, 20, were arrested after officers from Bedfordshire Police linked them to the break-in last October and to burglaries in Central Bedfordshire.

Frank Stanley & Tom Smith have both been jailed

Stanley, of Gifford Road Bedford, admitted four burglaries in September and October 2024 and was sentenced to three years and six months in prison.

Smith, of Ampthill Road, Kempston Hardwick, received three years and four months after admitting the same four burglaries and an additional burglary and theft of a motor vehicle.

Detective Constable Andrew Boston, of Operation Maze, said: “I can only imagine how terrifying it must have been for the victims to have these men raiding their property while they were actually in the house.

“Stanley and Smith showed a total disregard for them and the other victims whose homes they invaded, so it is good that they are now behind bars.

“It also shows the value of CCTV in a property which really helped us in securing these convictions.”