THERE is a "feeling of justice" now a prolific burglar is behind bars, the Bradford Business Improvement District (BID) has said.

Liam Stoyles, of Muirhead Drive in Holme Wood, broke into city centre premises, including a much-loved bookshop and a church.

He also stole from a national chain bakery, a coffee shop, and a discount store in a period of less than a month. 

Stoyles has a 'flagrant disregard for people and their property'

The 29-year-old committed nine offences in total from August 20 to September 3 of this year.

Court documents said the offences were "so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified".

They added that Stoyles has a "flagrant disregard for people and their property".

He was sentenced to 36 weeks in prison when his case was heard at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, October 16.

'Worries grew during this spate of burglaries'

Jonny Noble, chief executive of Bradford BID, said: “We would like to thank our colleagues in West Yorkshire Police for their hard work and dedication in bringing this to a conclusion.

"There is no doubt that this prosecution will bring about a feeling of justice for the city centre businesses directly affected but also those that were indirectly affected as worries grew during this spate of burglaries.

"We will continue to work closely with West Yorkshire Police, the City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team as well as other key stakeholders in our combined efforts in tackling crime through a strong and robust partnership.”

Two burglaries at Greggs

The spree began at the Poundstretcher store in Weaverthorpe Park on Tong Street where Stoyles stole various food and cleaning products to the value of £116.

He returned to the store on September 2 to steal coffee and chocolate worth £200.

Coffee shops in and around Rooley Lane were his next targets.

On August 26, Stoyles stole food and drinks from the Greggs' drive-thru and a tip cup with coins of an unknown value from Java Joe.

He was back at the Greggs two days later, again stealing food and drinks.

These were part of the 11 break-ins at the Rooley Lane store over a six-month period.

City centre burglaries

On August 20, Stoyles attempted to burgle the Figaro Salon in Upper Millergate, in Bradford city centre.

A day later, he entered Fountains Church on Glydegate Square.

Finally, on September 3, Stoyles gained entry to Waterstones and Cafe Nero.

The former, often heralded as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the country, had one of its windows smashed in the burglary.