Pair of prolific burglars jailed

Two men who carried out a series of burglaries in Harrogate have been jailed.

Hari Barnes, 19, of Roberts Crescent in Harrogate and William Smythe, 23, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty in November to conspiracy to commit burglary in relation to seven offences across the Bilton, Valley Gardens and New Park areas.

During June and July 2025, the pair stole car keys and cars from driveways, broke into homes and were seen on multiple CCTV cameras scoping out properties and trying door handles.

Appearing at York Crown Court earlier, Barnes and Smythe were both jailed for five years.

Following the burglaries, North Yorkshire Police launched a large-scale investigation which gathered more than 500 pieces of evidence including witness statements, CCTV footage and digital and forensic evidence that put the pair at the crime scenes.

Det Insp Amelia Haworth said: "These offences have a significant impact on the lives of victims and the sentencing of Hari Barnes and William Smythe, who have been identified as prolifically involved in burglaries in the Harrogate area, will help to keep the people of North Yorkshire safe."

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