A "prolific" thief who preyed on residential properties and a serial burglar who caused "considerable trauma" for victims were among those jailed in Suffolk this week.

Ipswich Star: Swaley Smith plead guilty at Ipswich Crown CourtSwaley Smith plead guilty at Ipswich Crown Court (Image: Suffolk police)

Billy Swaley Smith

Described as a "prolific" burglar who preyed on residential properties and his actions caused widespread misery, distress and upset for his victims", Billy Swaley Smith, 35 and of Tawneys Ride in Bures, pleaded guilty to a string of burglary offences. 

He was arrested in Ipswich on August 18 last year and charged with three offences: a burglary in Chevallier Street in Ipswich where various items were stolen; one in Rushmere Road where jewellery and £1,000 in cash were stolen; and a third in Bixley Road in Ipswich where £800 was stolen.

After he was charged, he was chosen to work with officers and Suffolk police's Operation Convertor team and had a further 21 counts of burglary taken into consideration, all between May and August 2023. 

He has been jailed for four years and seven months. 

Ipswich Star: John Smith was jailed at Ipswich Crown CourtJohn Smith was jailed at Ipswich Crown Court (Image: Suffolk police)

John Smith

Described as a serial burglar who caused "considerable trauma and emotional distress" for his victims, John Smith admitted to two attempted burglaries in Henley Road that took place in February last year. 

Smith, of Portman Road, Ipswich, chose to work with the Operation Converter team and had a further eight burglaries taken into consideration. 

In these offences he stole watches, antiques and jewellery. 

Smith, 34, was sentenced to 27 months in prison at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday.