Man jailed after Hunstanton chip shop break-in

A man who raided a Hunstanton fish and chip shop last autumn has today been jailed for more than three years.

Police have condemned the "selfish" actions of 41-year-old Robert Fitzjohn, who was sentenced to three years and two months in prison at Peterborough Crown Court.

He had previously pleaded guilty to two charges of non-dwelling burglary including theft and non-dwelling burglary with intent to steal.

Fitzjohn, of Deerfield Road, March, stole a till, worth around £500, during a break-in at the Sally’s Shack Fish and Chip Shop in Greevegate, Hunstanton overnight on October 10 and 11, 2020.

He also caused around £1,500 worth of damage to the premises.

Prior to that, he stole an iPhone 7, a safe containing £3,000 cash, £300 cash from the till and a CCTV hard-drive worth £3,700 from Grey Area Custom Tattoos in March's High Street, during the early hours of July 25, 2020, after forcing the front door of the property.

Then, in the early hours of October 4, he entered UK Signs Rapid Response Locksmiths, also in High Street, March, through the roof by sawing through joists, causing significant damage in the process.

He fled, leaving behind a glove, when he was disturbed by the owner.

He was then arrested later that month when DNA from all three incidents was found to match his.

Following today's sentencing hearing, PC Chris Dykstra, of Cambridgeshire Police, said: “Fitzjohn caused significant disruption and financial loss to small business at a time when we know the economy is struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“His actions were completely selfish and took no regard for the impact they would have on others’ livelihoods.”