Neil Farthing, a 37-year-old man, has been sentenced to six years and six months in jail for a series of burglaries and attempted burglaries in the Chester area. He appeared at Chester Crown Court on October 4 and faced charges including attempted burglary, burglary, driving without insurance, and driving while disqualified.
During the early hours of Tuesday, July 2, Farthing attempted to break into three properties in Warrington. The residents reported that the locks on their doors had been tampered with, but Farthing did not manage to gain access. He then moved on to Northwich on Wednesday, August 14, where he targeted two different homes. One resident reported that Farthing broke the locks on the conservatory door but did not manage to enter the main house. In another incident on the same morning, Farthing stole an Audi after breaking into a home in Headworth Close.
A few days later, on Monday, August 19, Farthing targeted two homes in Chester. One resident in Newhall Road was disturbed by noises and saw a figure outside the window, leading to Farthing fleeing the scene. In Ormonde Road, occupants woke up to find a man trying to break into their property through the patio doors. The man successfully entered and stole various items including sunglasses, a watch, a wallet, and the keys to an Audi parked outside. The stolen vehicle was later recovered in Golbourne, Manchester.
Farthing, who resides in Pennard Avenue, Huyton, was arrested on Thursday, August 22 following a joint investigation between Chester Proactive Team and Merseyside Police’s Fugitive Team. He was identified from CCTV footage and footwear prints found at the scene matched the trainers he was wearing during his arrest. Farthing pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him.
Police Constable James Wright from Chester Proactive Team described Farthing as a prolific burglar with previous convictions for similar offenses. He highlighted the collaborative effort of different police departments in holding Farthing accountable for his crimes. Wright emphasized that everyone deserves to feel safe in their own homes and Farthing’s actions caused distress to the residents he targeted.
The sentencing of Farthing serves as a message to the community that law enforcement takes offenses like burglary seriously and works diligently to ensure justice is served. Residents can hopefully find some reassurance in knowing that individuals who threaten their safety and security will be held accountable for their actions.
