Three teenagers have been jailed for a combined total of over nine years after terrorising the quiet Wiltshire village of Fisherton de la Mere in a violent armed burglary spree.
The youths, aged between 14 and 16, repeatedly targeted a property near Warminster last December. They forced their way into the home armed with weapons and stole luxury vehicles during their raids.
A 16-year-old boy was sentenced to 40 months for burglary, aggravated burglary, theft, and possession of a firearm with intent. A 15-year-old received 32 months for burglary, aggravated burglary, theft, and firearm offences. Another boy, aged 15 but only 14 at the time of the offences, was jailed for 40 months for aggravated burglary, firearm possession, dangerous driving, carrying a bladed weapon, and cannabis possession. He was also banned from driving for 44 months and must pass an extended driving test.
The gang committed a series of brazen break-ins in December 2023. On December 11, two teenagers broke into a property and fled in a BMW. Two weeks later, they returned with a younger accomplice and stole items including a hedge trimmer, golf clubs, a chainsaw, charging equipment, and wellies from the garage. On December 27, they carried out a terrifying aggravated burglary at the same house and stole an Audi.
One victim told the court: “In the early evening of 27th December I walked into my kitchen… to be faced by a masked man pointing a handgun at me. He locked me in the loo with a chair blocking the door. I escaped barefoot to a neighbour and called police. This nightmare will haunt me for a long time.”
PC Jack Williams, from Salisbury’s Burglary and Serious Youth Gang Violence Team, condemned the teenagers’ actions: “This was a harrowing incident with three armed teenagers forcing entry, threatening residents, and robbing the same house three times in a short span. Such trauma leaves a lasting scar and shatters the safety people expect in their own homes.”
He added: “The culprits led officers on a dangerous 15-minute chase at speeds up to 120mph before crashing. It’s fortunate no one was hurt. We take burglaries very seriously and have a dedicated unit to bring offenders to justice.”
Wiltshire Police urge the public to stay alert. Anyone who has been a victim of burglary or has information is encouraged to call Wiltshire Police on 101 or visit their website. For crimes in progress, dial 999 immediately. For advice on home protection, visit Wiltshire Police Crime Prevention. To report anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Originally published by UKNIP.
