Two men were sentenced for burgling an 88-year-old’s home while he was in the hospital. A concerned citizen helped police.
On September 13, someone called Cheshire Police, worried about a Paul Street property. The caller suspected two men were burgling the house. The burglary got caught on video.
The video showed two men at the house. Police identified them as Barwinski and Antos. Barwinski is 63 and from Warwick Avenue. Antos is 32 and lives on Hale Street.
The house belonged to an 88-year-old man who had been in the hospital. He then moved to a care home in July. His home was empty but secured.
Footage showed them watching the house three days before the burglary. Antos wore distinct shoes and a bright orange backpack.
The house was found ransacked after the burglary. Officers patrolled near the burgled home and spotted Antos six days later. He wore the same shoes and backpack.
Police arrested him for suspected burglary and searched Antos’ home later. Officers found Barwinski in the garden, partially dressed at the time. Police arrested Barwinski and took him inside.
In his room, they found stolen items belonged to the man from Paul Street. These included jewelry and cash. The pair admitted being on the video, however, they denied stealing anything.
Despite their denials, they were charged. They both pleaded guilty to burglary. Barwinski received a 20-month jail sentence. Antos received a 16-month jail sentence.
PC Rhianna Latimer welcomed the sentences, stating they pursue thieves. Latimer explained they safeguard burglary victims. She added that Antos and Barwinski targeted a vulnerable man.
The victim was elderly and recovering from illness, Latimer said. She added burglary made his worries worse. A concerned citizen called the police, providing vital evidence. This call placed them at the scene and also showed them scouting the house three days before the burglary.