Four Leicester people have been sentenced to more than three years in prison after pleading guilty to their part in a series of burglaries at religious establishments.
Luke Wright (27) of Thomasson Road and Thomas McMurray (31) of Lonsdale Street, and two youths aged 16, who can’t be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing and were sentenced today (Friday September 12) at Leicester Crown Court.
Wright was sentenced to 13 months and McMurray was sentenced to 10 months in prison. They were also issued with Proceeds of Crime Confiscation Orders.
The two youths were sentenced to eight months each in prison.All four defendants were issued with a five-year Criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Order with the following conditions:-
• To register their mobile phones with the police • Not to enter any religious premises without permission • Not to associate with each other
Between January and April this year 23 reports were received of burglaries at religious establishments in Leicester including mosques, Madrassas and a Hindu temple. Some premises were targeted on three occasions.
Detective Sergeant 4440 Helen Nurse led the investigations into the burglaries, she said: “This has been a complex investigation and I hope that today’s sentencing demonstrates the determination of Leicestershire Police to bring offenders to justice.“The incidents caused great concern within the community and it was particularly disappointing that money donated to the mosques for charity was stolen during the burglaries as well as a large amount of damage caused by the offenders.
“We are pleased that all four defendants pleaded guilty to their part in the burglaries and hope that this gives closure to the victims in the case. I would like to thank those affected by the burglaries and the local community for their patience and assistance during the investigations.”
Suleman Nagdi, spokesperson from the Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO) said "We are satisfied at the news that four individuals have been sentenced in relation to a spate of burglaries that happened at several Mosques around the city.
“We would like to thank the Police for their part in not only catching the culprits but also for working closely with the community in order to promote safety and vigilance. The burglaries affected the community deeply; causing heightened tension and also bewilderment as to why anyone would target a place of worship to steal money intended for the desperate and needy.
“We continue to urge all places of worship to remain vigilant and adopt preventative measures to safeguard against senseless acts of criminality such as burglaries."
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