A 32-year-old man from Letchworth has been given a suspended jail sentence after admitting a burglary in which he helped himself to laptop computers and other equipment from an IT firm in the town.

Richard Lidbetter, formerly of Campers Avenue, appeared at Cambridge Crown Court for sentence on Friday and was given a 10-month jail term suspended for two years as well as a 12 month community order.

He pleaded guilty the day before to breaking into Infinite IT Solutions in Pixmore Way in March. While in the building, he stole a number of laptop computers, an iPhone and various items of electrical equipment. He was arrested the following day.

Investigating officer Det Con Kate Raine from the North Herts local crime unit said: “Police in North Herts are working hard to crack down on all forms of burglary in the district and will hold anyone responsible to account.

“To help us in the fight against burglary I would strongly encourage anyone who witnesses anything suspicious, or if anyone suspects someone could be involved in this form of crime, to please contact us via the police non-emergency number 101.

“Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.”