Burglars who steal at night face longer prison sentences

According to official new guidelines, burglars who break into people's homes while they are sleeping could receive longer jail sentences.  

The sentencing council has told Judges and magistrates that they should treat night-time burglary as an "aggravating" factor that merits a longer prison term. The maximum term for burglary is 14 years - though perpetrators often receive lighter sentences if there are no aggravating factors.

Sentencing guidelines stipulate that the presence of a victim during a burglary be treated as a "category 1" harm that attracts a minimum sentence of three to six years in jail.

Other aggravating factors that would bring tougher penalties include the targeting of vulnerable people, such as pensioners, burglaries when a child is in the house or returns home, or the thieves operating as part of a gang.

They will also face longer sentences if they attempt to prevent the victim from reporting the crime, are under the influence of drugs or drink during the break-in. If the victims feel compelled to leave the property as a result of the burglary, additional sentencing could be considered.

The guidelines were updated to give more recognition to the emotional impact of the crime on victims. Also, judges must jail offenders for at least three years for a third such offence unless there are "particular circumstances" that would make it "unjust".

A member of the sentencing council, Judge Rebecca Crane said: "Burglary has a big impact. It is often so much more than a theft of property, especially when it occurs in a victim's home, where they are entitled to feel safe."