Prolific Burglar and Thief Jailed

This is Nial FARMER, a prolific burglar and thief who has been sentenced to three years in prison.

You may recall earlier this year we experienced a spate of night time burglaries and theft from vehicles in Clifton, Newton and Freckleton.

Fylde Rural Task Force viewed hours of CCTV footage which revealed the offender wore a face covering and gloves, making it extremely difficult to identify them with no forensic opportunities. 

The team were determined to identify the offender and continued with extensive enquiries including witness accounts, house to house, financial, telephony and transport enquiries. 

With perseverance, the team were able to successfully identify the offender to be Nial FARMER, aged 18 of Charnock Street, Preston.

After several weeks on the run, FARMER was located and arrested hiding out in a tent in the Preston area - wearing the exact tracksuit featured on CCTV for all of the offences (we can't take credit for that one!)

FARMER was charged and remanded to prison for 36 offences including numerous burglaries, theft from vehicles and vehicle interferences which occurred across Fylde and Preston between March and April 2025.

Last week, FARMER appeared before Preston Crown Court where he was sentenced to 36 months in prison.

Fylde Rural Task Force would like to thank you for your continued support and patience when dealing with these incidents. We truly understand the impact these offences have on our community and we hope this court results reassures you that we do take your reports seriously. We will continue to target, disrupt and prosecute those involved in ongoing criminality to make Fylde a safer place for all.