Burglar who targetted homes in Biggleswade and Shefford jailed - after brave police officer jumped into a river to catch him

A prolific burglar who tried to escape from police by jumping into a river has been put behind bars for 11 years.

A brave police officer followed 40-year-old Shane Smith in to the River Hit in Shefford, managing to collar him and bring an end to his crime spree across Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Smith – who was already being hunted by police for breaching an early release licence from prison – had been behind a dozen offences, including burglary, robbery, theft, and dangerous driving.

Luton Crown Court heard that in a six-week crime spree Smith, formerly of Berkley Street, Eynesbury St Neots, stole a motorbike, jewellery, electrical items, tools and even wildlife acoustic bat detectors – targetting homes primarily in Biggleswade and Shefford.

He also stole a car, crashing into other vehicles and knocking a motorcyclist off his motorbike.

On Friday, he was sentenced to a total of 11 years in prison.

PC Robert Creighton, who apprehended Smith, said: "I had already pursued the suspect through a number of gardens and over multiple fences, so when I saw him enter the river it was a no-brainer that I was going to go in after him.

“The arrest was the result of great teamwork from uniform officers and detectives and I hope it sends a pretty clear that we will be robust & relentless in the pursuit of those who seek to cause harm to our communities.”

Detective Constable Kevin Howes added: “It was a brilliant effort from PC Rob Creighton, who dived after Smith to make the original arrest and take Smith off the streets.

“We know neighbourhood crime has a huge impact on local residents, and this shows we’ll make every effort to tackle this issue and bring those responsible to justice.”