‘Burglar Bill’ banged up

Two thieves have been sentenced for a residential burglary in which money and car keys were stolen from a house in Banstead.

Billy Smith, 40 (DOB: 24/12/83) and Joe Mccarthy, 40, (DOB: 22/11/83) both from Carshalton appeared at Guildford Crown Court last week (Sept 4).

Smith had pleaded guilty to burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and fraud by false representation. He was sentenced to two and half years for burglary with additional sentences of 18 months for theft and 12 weeks for fraud to be served concurrently.

McCarthy had pleaded guilty to burglary and fraud by false representation. He was given a two-year suspended sentence for burglary and 10 weeks for fraud to be served concurrently.  He was also ordered to do 240 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £1600.

On 30 December 2022, Smith and McCarthy targeted a house in Banstead - breaking in during the early hours whilst the owners were asleep.

Inside they stole car keys and a wallet with Smith then using the keys to further steal a car from the driveway. 

A bank card inside the stolen wallet was later used to buy cigarettes and drinks at a nearby convenience store.

Investigating officers collected CCTV footage from the area which identified a suspect vehicle near the address.  CCTV from the convenience store was also released to the media and the public resulting in positive identifications for both Smith and McCarthy who were later arrested.

The stolen car was recovered partially burnt out and abandoned in Carshalton.

PC Joe Brown, from Surrey’s Eastern Proactive Investigation Team, said: “Everyone is entitled to feel safe in their own home. People who break into properties don’t just take things, they take that feeling of security away and they do it purely for their own gain. I am extremely pleased we were able to identify these two offenders and build a strong case against them resulting in guilty pleas in court. Burglary is a serious offence and we will do everything possible to identify those committing this type of crime in Surrey.”

Pic: Billy Smith