Teen car key burglar jailed for five and a half years after targeting homes in Birmingham & Solihull

Leo Joe broke into homes in Yardley, Castle Bromwich, Stechford, Small Heath and Sheldon over a month
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A teenage car key burglar who broke into homes across Birmingham and Solihull on a month-long crime spree has been jailed for five-and-a-half years.

Leo Joe stole car keys from inside people’s homes between 10 February and 9 March after touring the streets in the early hours of the morning checking out vehicles

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Among those stolen were a top-of-the-range Jaguar F-Pace, Volkswagens, Mercedes and Skodas. They were taken from homes in Yardley, Castle Bromwich, Stechford, Small Heath and Sheldon.

The 19-year-old was caught as a result of the forensic work of officers, who were also able to link Joe’s clothing to several of the offences using CCTV.

Following his arrest, officers from West Midlands Police Burglary - High Harm Team found photos on his phone further incriminating him. His mobile phone search history revealed that on more than one occasion he looked for false registrations of the cars that were stolen.

Joe, of The Radleys, Sheldon, pleaded guilty to nine counts of burglary and was sentenced to five and half years detention in a youth offender’s institute at Birmingham Crown Court on 13 October.

Leo Joe - car key burglar jailed for five and a half years for offences in Birmingham and SolihullLeo Joe - car key burglar jailed for five and a half years for offences in Birmingham and Solihull
Leo Joe - car key burglar jailed for five and a half years for offences in Birmingham and Solihull

What have the investigating officers said about this case in their own words?

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Investigating officer PC Chris Senter, from the Burglary - High Harm Team, said: “Joe’s actions wreaked havoc across Birmingham and Solihull, causing misery to many.

“He left people in fear after forcing entry into their homes while they slept and treated the streets like his own personal car shopping experience.

“Stopping vehicle theft is a force priority and I hope Joe’s sentencing today will provide some comfort to the many victims left shocked and distressed by his crimes.”

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