Two men jailed and a third wanted following Chippenham burglary

Two people have been jailed in connection with a Chippenham burglary during which valuables worth more than £100,000 were stolen.

Billy-Joe Cosgrave, 26, from Swindon, and Zak Nicholson, 23, of no fixed abode, will spend the next few years behind bars following the sentencing at Swindon Crown Court yesterday (24/05).

On May 25 last year, Cosgrave and Nicholson broke into a property in Chippenham by smashing the rear patio door.

They then searched the house, stealing a safe containing valuable and sentimental watches.

Through analysing CCTV footage, officers from the Wiltshire Police Fortitude Team were able to link Cosgrave and Nicholson to the offence.  

Cosgrave was sentenced to six years imprisonment, a sentence also encompassing a street robbery and supplying Class A drugs.

Nicholson was sentenced to four-and-a-half years, reduced to three years for his guilty plea.

A third defendant who has been charged with the offence, Kieron Barlow, 26, of no fixed address, remains outstanding.

Operation Fortitude investigator, Bianca Ledbury, said: “This investigation was able to progress swiftly due to the victim having such good quality CCTV, enabling the Fortitude team to identify and arrest the offenders quickly.

“Sadly, the victim’s property, which included jewellery items of huge sentimental value, has yet to be recovered.

“Burglary is one of the most invasive crimes with a lasting effect upon those targeted.

“The courtroom heard the extent of how much this crime has impacted the victim and his family, and I hope the sentence imposed can provide closure for them.

“Both Cosgrave and Nicholson are prolific offenders, and I am pleased they have been given custodial sentences as a result of their actions.

“Keiron Barlow remains outstanding for this matter and needs to be brought before the court.

“If you have any information that could lead to his arrest, please call 101 quoting crime reference number 54220054860.”