Prolific burglar who terrorised Preston City Centre shops and bars including TG Jones and Plugs and Taps
A prolific burglar who targeted several Preston city centre businesses in a late night crime spree has been jailed after being caught at the scene of his final attempted break-in.
Stephen Bosanko targeted shops and bars across the city in the early hours of Tuesday, January 13.
He caused damage and stole cash and stock before being caught by police at the scene of his final attempted break-in.
The 45-year-old, of no fixed address, was first linked to an incident at TG Jones on Fishergate, where he smashed a window to gain entry and stole cash from the tills.
Later the same night, Bosanko broke into Plugs and Taps on Lune Street, smashing a window and stealing a till containing around £1,000 along with 15 bottles of alcohol.
His offending continued into the early hours when police were called to reports of a burglary in progress at Just Padel on Corporation Street.
Bosanko had used a brick in an attempt to force entry to the premises but was interrupted by officers before he could get inside.
When arrested at the scene, Bosanko was found in possession of receipts and property linked to the earlier burglary at Plugs and Taps.
Officers subsequently attended the business and confirmed it had been broken into.
Bosanko appeared at Preston Magistrates’ Court yesterday, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary other than dwelling and two counts of attempted burglary other than dwelling - all with intent to steal.
Magistrates heard the offences had caused significant disruption and financial loss to the businesses involved.
Bosanko was sentenced to eight months in prison and was taken into custody immediately.
Police said the sentence reflected the seriousness of targeting city centre businesses.