A MAN has been jailed for his part in a string of burglaries around Swindon in February after stealing £2,000 worth of cigarettes from a shop in Gorse Hill.

John Young, 34, was arrested after smashing his way into the Co-operative store in Cricklade Road, forcing open the shutters in front of the tobacco counter, and grabbing a haul of cigarettes.

Policing teams managed to identify Young, from Pinehurst, after forensics officers discovered his DNA at the scene and matched it to him.

The offence was one in a number of incidents around the areas of Pinehurst, Moredon and Gorse Hill, as the number of burglaries spiked over February.

Neighbourhood policing teams responded with increased patrols and other initiatives and, since February, the offence rate has dropped.

Last week, Young was jailed for 18 weeks after a court heard he was already on a suspended sentence, and decided there was no option but to jail him.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said the prosecution was the result of the DNA being found at the scene.

“During February this year the Gorse Hill, Pinehurst and Moredon areas saw an increase in burglaries to commercial premises and shops,” he said.

“The local policing teams carried out several initiatives in the area to combat this and gain intelligence and prevent these crimes.

“We are please to report that one offender has been jailed in relation to one of these crimes.

“John Young, aged 34, from Pinehurst was caught after stealing £2,000 worth of cigarettes from the Co-operative store in Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill.

“Young smashed through a panel of glass to enter the store and forced open shutters to the cigarette counter before making his escape with the goods.

“Young was identified by his DNA left behind at the scene.

“Jailing him for 18 weeks the court heard that he was already on a suspended sentence and the offence and value was so serious there was no other option than a custodial sentence.”