Burglar who scaled roof in police stand-off jailed

A burglar who climbed onto the roof of a house in a 40-minute stand-off with police has been jailed.

Winston Allen, 59, formerly of High Street, in Cheltenham, was caught trying to steal jewellery from a house in Leckhampton, Gloucestershire, on 5 November.

Police said they surrounded the house after the victim, who was out of the country at the time, was alerted to an intruder by their home security system and asked their family to call 999.

He was jailed for two years and four months at Gloucester Crown Court after admitting to burglary dwelling with intent to steal.

Winston Allen has been jailed for more than two years

Allen was also found in possession of a silver Rolex watch, police said, which he had stolen from another house on the same night.

Police arrived at the house within minutes after a neighbour confirmed hearing noises from inside and had not seen anyone leave.

The man, who was later identified as Allen, was seen leaving through the back door, scaling a wall and climbing onto the roof, before throwing items into neighbouring gardens, police said.

"You are surrounded, move across this wall and give yourself up," officers can be heard saying in bodycam footage.

Allen paced around looking for another means of escape, before eventually climbing down, police said.

He was arrested on suspicion of burglary and found in possession of a gold chain and earrings belonging to the victim.

Allen was found with a gold chain belonging to the victim

"Being burgled can have a devastating impact on victims leaving them feeling vulnerable in their own homes," said Investigating officer PC Sheer from the Cheltenham Vanguard Team.

One of the earrings and a torch were located on the roof of the house and the victim confirmed it belonged to them, police added.

"It is hoped that Allen's arrest, charge and sentencing shows how dedicated we are to taking burglars off the streets and helping to ensure the residents of Cheltenham's homes are safe."

Allen was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.