Burglars jailed after £100,000 raid on Chippenham property

Billy-Joe Cosgrave, from Swindon, and Zak Nicholson, of no fixed abode, are behind bars after being sentenced for their crimes at Swindon Crown Court on Wednesday, May 24.

A third man, Kieron Barlow, is wanted in connection with the burglary but remains on the run.

On May 25 last year, Cosgrave, 26, and 23-year-old Nicholson broke into a property in Chippenham before stealing a safe containing valuable and sentimental watches.

Billy-Joe Cosgrave. (Image: Wiltshire Police)

After analysing CCTV footage, officers from the Wiltshire Police Fortitude Team were able to link Cosgrave and Nicholson to the offence. 

Cosgrave was sentenced to six years in jail, a sentence also encompassing a street robbery and supplying Class A drugs.

Nicholson was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison, reduced to three years for his guilty plea.

Barlow, 26, of no fixed abode, has been charged with the same offence.

Zak Nicholson. (Image: Wiltshire Police)

Operation Fortitude investigator Bianca Ledbury said: “This investigation was able to progress swiftly due to the victim having such good quality CCTV, enabling the Fortitude team to identify and arrest the offenders quickly.

“Sadly, the victim’s property, which included jewellery items of huge sentimental value, has yet to be recovered.

“Burglary is one of the most invasive crimes with a lasting effect upon those targeted.

“The courtroom heard the extent of how much this crime has impacted the victim and his family, and I hope the sentence imposed can provide closure for them.

Keiron Barlow. (Image: Wiltshire Police)

“Both Cosgrave and Nicholson are prolific offenders, and I am pleased they have been given custodial sentences as a result of their actions.

“Keiron Barlow remains outstanding for this matter and needs to be brought before the court.

If you have any information that could lead to Barlow’s arrest, you are urged to call 101 quoting crime reference number 54220054860.