#JAILED | A man who broke into a Derbyshire auction house and stole over £20,000 worth of items has been jailed.

The Etwall base of Hansons Auctioneers was targeted by thieves in the early hours of the morning in April 2024.

Police were alerted to the incident by the firm’s alarm and on attendance found tyre tracks on the grass leading to the building with damage caused to a large window and shutter.

CCTV showed two people inside the premises smashing their way into a number of glass cabinets, stealing jewellery and other items from within.

A hammer and two blood spatters were found at the scene with the blood sample being forensically checked and found to match Shane O’Malley.

He was arrested and subsequently charged with burglary.

The 47-year-old, of Haugh Road, Rotherham, admitted the offence. He appeared at Derby Crown Court for sentence on 3 March where he was jailed for 30 months.

The second person has not been identified.

PC Benjamin Harvey, who led the investigation, said: “This was clearly a targeted and pre-planned attack which led to over £21,000 worth of items being stolen.

“In addition to this, damage was caused to the premises and the cabinets inside – leaving the business even more out of pocket.

“O’Malley was traced after leaving his blood at the scene and has now paid the price for his involvement in this crime with a spell behind bars.”