A burglar who broke into two Nottingham businesses and a student flats complex has been jailed.
An offender was spotted smashing a window to gain entry to a coffee shop in Goose Gate, Hockley, around 4.30pm on 5 January 2025.
A police officer recognised the burglar as Michael Hemmings when he viewed CCTV from the business.
It showed Hemmings moving a wheelie bin to conceal what he was up to before recording the smashing of glass and Hemmings entering the premises.
He grabbed a till and left before a member of the public gained a description of Hemmings and the clothing he was wearing.
• Victoria Embankment paddling pool official opening date announced
• West Bridgford tea shop closes for good
On 20 January police received a report of a further break-in, this time at student accommodation in Mansfield Road, where a television and a speaker had been taken from a communal area.
After studying CCTV footage the same officer was once again able to identify Hemmings as the offender.
Following his arrest, detectives were also able to link Hemmings to a further burglary at a fast food restaurant in Shakespeare Street when cash was stolen from two tills.
The 60-year-old, of Alfred Street North, St Ann’s, was jailed for four years and four months at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday (12 May).
He had earlier pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary.
Detective Sergeant Nigel Malik, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“We’re grateful to an observant member of the public and a uniformed colleague who both helped to identify Hemmings as the offender for two of the break-ins.
“Investigations by detectives were then able to link him to a further offence.
“The evidence gathered eventually left him with no alternative but to admit what he had done.
“The force takes both commercial and home burglaries extremely seriously. Whether it is your home or place of work, no one deserves to discover an intruder has entered the property and taken items.”
