A MAN has been convicted of theft after jewellery was taken from a property in Gentleshaw.
James Lancashire, of Church Stretton in Shropshire, admitted two counts of theft in dwelling other than an automatic machine or meter.
The 37-year-old was at Stafford Crown Court in connection with the incident and another in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
In Gentleshaw, he was working as an operator in the property industry when he carried out a survey of a home in May 2024.
The victim, a man in his 60s, was in the property while the survey was completed – but three days later, he realised that around £2,250-worth of jewellery, including a sovereign ring, a gold-plated watch and a limited-edition coin commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s death, were missing.
The incident in Newcastle-under-Lyme saw a woman in her 50s show Lancashire around her home before letting him get on with the survey. But a platinum diamond ring, an engagement ring, a wedding ring and a Tag Diver’s watch – worth a total of around £11,000 – were taken.
An investigation saw Lancashire arrested. The sovereign ring was later located at a pawn shop in Telford and returned to the victim.
PC Daniel Marsh, from Staffordshire Police, said:
“This was a complex investigation and thanks to the evidence gathered against Lancashire, he has now pleaded guilty in court.
“Lancashire was allowed into his victims’ homes as he should have been there for work, but instead he took advantage of them and stole thousands of pounds worth of jewellery.
“I hope this conviction shows we are committed to protecting residents and their property across Staffordshire.”
Lancashire is due to be sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on 20th March.
