Police review as burglar only gets caution (From Chelmsford Weekly News)

Police review as burglar only gets caution

7:30am Thursday 21st March 2013 in News

A REVIEW has been called by Essex Police’s top officials after a burglary suspect was let off with a caution.

Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston and chief constable Jim Barker-McCardle have expressed their concern over the incident following a break-in at a home in Pyms Road, Galleywood.

Ireneusz Blaszczyk, 23, was cautioned after handing himself in to police in February after the burglary at the property reported on November 25 where jewellery and an X Box was stolen.

Home owner Monique Carson was furious with the outcome and Mr Alston has announced a review will be conducted.

Mr Alston said: “Burglary is a serious crime and I expect the police and the criminal justice system to treat it seriously.

“To find a criminal has broken into your home and stolen property, some of which may have highly personal and unique qualities such as photographs of loved ones, is highly distressing.

“The review will make it clear whether this case is a one-off aberration, as I hope, or whether there is a more widespread problem with how the guidelines for cautioning are being followed in our county.”

Mr Barker-McCardle, who is standing down in May, has already referred the incident to the professional standards department and also asked the Crown Prosecution Service to consider the case.

Mr Barker-McCardle said: “Every bone in my body, every cell in my body, said this looked like a very bad decision by Essex Police. I remain of that view.”

Miss Carson who had been on holiday with her fiance David Cable and their son Douglas when the incident happened said she was glad the situation was being taken seriously.

She said: “When I found out the man who burgled my house had been given just a caution, I was shocked and then it turned into anger. I was livid.

“He was homeless and he was hungry which is the reason he gave for breaking in, so if it had been food from Tesco he had stolen then I’d be more understanding.

“But to break into someone’s home because you’re hungry is not acceptable.”