Dear Resident

Two men have been charged in connection with two burglary offences, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday 18 April in Stevenage.

The first offence, an attempted burglary, occurred in Walkern Road at around 12.30am.

The second burglary happened in Stanmore Road between 12.30am and 7am. Multiple items were taken including car keys, a BMW car, laptops, airpods and other personal items.

The offenders were quickly traced to an address in Letchmore Road that morning. The BMW was also quickly found by officers, abandoned in Weston Road, Stevenage, later in the day. 

All of the stolen property was also recovered from the Letchmore Road address.

Ben Williams, aged 32 from Letchmore Road, was arrested and charged with burglary, attempted burglary and taking a motor vehicle without consent. He has been released on court bail.

Micheal Byfield, aged 33 and from Bath Street, London, was charged with burglary and taking a motor vehicle without consent. He has been remanded into custody.

Both are due to appear at St Albans Crown Court on 21st May 2024. 

Detective Sergeant Kate Raine said: “This was a fast time investigation involving local detectives, neighbourhood and response officers, the Operation Scorpion Team and the Operational Support Group. 

“The suspects were quickly apprehended, and officers worked around the clock to get them charged and remanded to appear before the court. 

“Whilst fortunately burglaries in Stevenage remain low, this is a great example of the quick and comprehensive investigation officers conduct to ensure that any offenders are caught and swiftly brought to justice. The added relief for the victims to get all their property and the vehicle returned was a great achievement for the officers.”

Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Chris Jones added: “As part of our ongoing enquiries we are keen to speak to anyone who saw a blue 64 plate BMW 2 series being driven in the Old Town area of Stevenage in the early hours of Thursday 18th April. We would also like to speak to anyone who witnessed two men behaving suspiciously in Stanmore Road, Letchmore Road or Walkern Road.”

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/30663/24 .

You can also email Dc Jones directly on Christopher.Jones2@Herts.police.uk .

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.