Thomas Odowd, 19, from Walsall, was given a two-year suspended sentence
A teenage burglar from the Black Country who took two BMWs and was linked to a string of offences in Herefordshire has avoided a jail term.
Thomas Odowd, from Walsall, was found guilty of taking a BMW 2 series and BMW X5, which were stolen from a property in a car key burglary.
The 19-year-old was also forensically linked to a Ford Transit van used in a number of garage and shed burglaries.
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Odowd admitted burglary, conspiracy to steal from a motor vehicle and conspiracy to commit a burglary, West Mercia Police said.
He was given a two-year suspended sentence following a hearing at Worcester Crown Court on Friday, March 7.
West Mercia Police said that offences of dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance were also considered as part of the sentencing.
Police said: “On 10 December last year a BMW 2 series and BMW X5 were stolen from a property in Ledbury following a car key burglary. The investigation revealed that Odowd was guilty of both thefts.
“On 11 July officers attempted to stop a Ford Transit van as it was linked to a number of garage and shed burglaries that occurred across Herefordshire.
“The vehicle failed to stop but was eventually brought to a standstill by officers.
“The occupants fled the area however a forensic investigation revealed Odowd was inside the vehicle.”
Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Emily Holder added: “Burglary is an incredibly intrusive crime, and nobody should be made to feel unsafe in their own home. I would like to thank the victims for their support throughout the investigation.
“This type of offending will not be tolerated, and we will pursue all offences of this nature and put them in front of a court.”
