Luton burglar jailed after police pursuit 

A burglar who led police on a pursuit in a stolen vehicle has been sentenced to more than five years behind bars.

In the early hours of 21 February, police received a report of a burglary taking place at a property in Common Road, Kensworth, in which two laptops and a car were taken.

An officer spotted the stolen vehicle just minutes after the report was made and attempted to pull it over, but the driver, 45-year-old James Lake, failed to stop.

Lake led police on a pursuit through Dunstable and Luton, during which he reached speeds of 80mph in 30mph zones and drove on the wrong side of the road.

He also rammed a police vehicle in a bid to escape, but officers eventually brought the car to a safe stop.

Detectives from Bedfordshire Police's dedicated burglary unit, Operation Maze, found that Lake was also responsible for a burglary and an attempted burglary at properties in Hebden Close, Luton on 15 February, after they identified him from CCTV footage.

During one of these incidents, Lake, upon unintentionally waking the victim, pretended to be a police officer conducting a 'check' of the residence following a nearby burglary.

The victim realised a crime had been committed after noticing damage to a window and internal lock, by which time Lake had already left the scene.

Lake, of Saltfield Crescent, Luton, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary, one count of attempted burglary, and one count of dangerous driving.

He was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Thursday (26 October) to four years and four months in prison for the burglary offences, and 10 months for dangerous driving.

He has also been banned from driving for four years.

Detective Constable Andy Boston from Bedfordshire Police's Operation Maze team, who led the investigation, said: "Lake's actions were alarmingly brazen and reckless, indicating a blatant disregard for both the law and the safety of others.

"Burglary and other serious crime have no place in our society, and we will continue to do everything in our power to protect our communities and ensure those who threaten their security and wellbeing face the consequences."

For advice on safeguarding your home from burglary, visit beds.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention.