A Crewe man has been jailed for four and a half years - after pleading guilty to burglary with intent to steal in the town.

Paul Hilton appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday (August 22), where he admitted the offence.

The 45-year-old of Richmond Road, was sentenced to four years and six months in prison.

Paul Hilton was sentenced to four years and six months in prison (Cheshire Constabulary).

During the hearing, the court heard how Hilton's burglary took place during the early hours of Wednesday (July 20) this year.

Around 1.30am, a ring doorbell on the house alerted the victim of a man walking around on the drive of the property and other properties - heading into the gardens.

The victim had left his back door open for his pet cat to get in and out of the property.

He was then was woken up by a noise which he thought was the cat but instead got up to find Hilton standing in his kitchen.

The victim then quickly removed Hilton from the property after finding him.

Paul Hilton appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday (August 22), where he admitted the offence (Crewe Nub News).

The offence was reported the day/morning after. Hilton was arrested at approximately 11.20am on the morning of 21 July at his home address.

On Hilton's arrest, he claimed he was looking for his friend's house - without mentioning who the friend was.

Sergeant Richard Haque of Crewe Local Policing Unit said: "I welcome the sentence that has been handed to Paul Hilton for burglary with intent to steal.

"Hilton is an offender who has a long history of committing crimes and has caused many victims misery.

"This conviction goes to show that we have a zero tolerance to this kind of crime and those that intend on committing such crimes will be dealt with accordingly.

Hilton's burglary took place during the early hours of Wednesday (July 20), this year (Cheshire Constabulary).

"I would like to thank the officers that have been dealing with the case for their dedication and tenacity, and hope that this reassures the victim and others in the community that we do take this type of crime seriously."

Advice for homeowners

• Make sure that all windows and doors are closed and locked, even when you are at home or in the garden. Use the security measures on modern windows, which allow them to let some air in but still be locked.

• Keep all valuables out of the line of sight of prying eyes, never put car keys or purses on window-sills or in view of a window or door. Always avoid keeping large amounts of cash are in your house.

• Do not leave valuables or equipment on display in your car - take valuables with you or lock them away. Even a pair of sunglasses on show can be appealing to a would-be thief.

Police officers are reminding residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to them (Cheshire Constabulary).

Residents are being reminded to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to police.

If you have any information in relation to burglaries or see anyone acting suspiciously, report to Cheshire Police via its website or call Cheshire Police on 101.

READ MORE: Crewe firefighters tackle large train blaze for almost three hours.

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