Liverpool man sentenced to more than three years in prison for burglary and fraud

A man who stole from a church in Liverpool was sentenced to more than three years in prison for burglary and fraud.

James Peter Santamera, 46 years, of no fixed abode appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (Monday 7 February).

He pleaded guilty and received three years and eight months in prison for burglary and fraud after stealing a wallet containing money and a bank card when he broke into the presbytery of a church in Clubmoor.

A further four burglary offences across Liverpool were taken into consideration.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Tony O’Brien who heads the Burglary Team (Operation Castle), said: “I am pleased that Santamera has been given a custodial sentence for his crime and he has been removed from the streets after causing a great deal of distress and harm with his offending.

“Burglaries and theft can have a massive impact on victims, so I hope that while behind bars he will take the time to reflect on his crimes and the consequences his actions can have on those he targeted.

“I would continue to encourage people to report any suspicious behaviour including the sale of stolen goods so we can take action.

“We are determined to keep reducing offences and the harm this causes across Merseyside, and we will act on information we receive.

“Burglary offences have decreased year on year across Merseyside thanks largely to Operation Castle, an operation targeted at reducing burglaries, bringing offenders to justice, and ultimately sparing residents the anguish of being a victim of burglary.”

Click here for advice and protection against burglary:  https://www.merseyside.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/

You can also report any concerns to police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or via Twitter @MerPolCC.

You can also pass information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org