Sheffield burglar jailed after stealing sentimental rings but refuses to tell family where they are

Simon Pass, aged 40, broke into a property on Burngreave Road, Burngreave, last October, stealing wedding and engagement rings, other jewellery, laptops and a games console in the raid – leaving the occupants of the house ‘heartbroken’.

Although detectives managed to locate two of the laptops, Pass refused to say what happened to the wedding and engagement rings.

It is claimed that Pass stole to fund his drug habit.

DC Dean Craik, who investigated the burglary for South Yorkshire Police, said: “The house had been ransacked by Pass, who struck when the family members were out at work.

“They returned to a scene of devastation.

“This included smears of blood around the property, as Pass injured himself whilst breaking in.

“While this greatly aided our investigation, it was very distressing for the victims who had arrived home as normal from work to find their home had been targeted.

“We have, in the course of other investigations into Pass’ criminal activity, managed to find the two laptops he stole that day and these have been returned to the family.

“However, Pass has refused to assist us in tracing the jewellery he stole, some of which was hugely sentimental to the family.

“Losing their most treasured possessions has quite simply left them heartbroken.”

Pass, of Calder Way, Firth Park, struck just two months after was released from HMP Moorland, Doncaster, in August 2019, after serving a two and a half year sentence for a previous burglary.

He was jailed for six years for the latest offence after a hearing at Sheffield Crown Court.

DC Craik added: “It is right that Pass is back behind bars and this time serving a significant sentence.

"He is a prolific burglar who has committed many crimes and a shameless individual who targets people and homes to fund his drug habit. I am satisfied with the sentence he has received.”

To report those involved in burglaries and handling stolen goods, call South Yorkshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.