Prolific burglars who targeted homes across West Yorkshire have been sentenced to significant prison terms, each serving more than six years. Michael St Hillaire, 33, residing on Staincliffe Road in Dewsbury, and Kyle Sylvester, 31, residing on Quaker Lane in Huddersfield, received their sentences at Leeds Crown Court on Friday, June 2. Both individuals had previously pleaded guilty to multiple counts of burglary.
St Hillaire was handed a sentence of six years and six months after being found guilty of ten offences, while Sylvester received a sentence of six years and nine months for his involvement in twelve burglary offences.
The arrests of the two culprits occurred on September 4, 2022, when Sylvester’s white VW Scirocco was stopped by police on Huddersfield Road in Bradford. St Hillaire was also present in the vehicle, which contained several tools commonly used in burglaries, such as mole grips, screwdrivers, and gloves.
An investigation led by detectives from the Kirklees district connected St Hillaire and Sylvester to a series of burglaries that took place in Huddersfield, Mirfield, Pontefract, Horbury, and Halifax. The targeted properties were primarily residential buildings, with the crimes being committed during the early hours of the morning. Cash and jewellery were among the stolen items in several instances.
Expressing satisfaction with the outcome, DC Joe Lee of the Kirklees Programme Precision Team remarked, “We welcome the convictions of both of these males who have been prolific offenders targeting homes across West Yorkshire. Being a victim of burglary can have a highly negative and long-lasting impact on victims, and it is good news for communities that these men are off our streets.”
DS Andrew Holmes of Kirklees CID also praised the collaborative efforts between detectives and uniformed officers from response and Neighbourhood Policing Teams, who responded to reports of burglaries. He emphasised the importance of residents reporting suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods, stating, “Information to local officers from residents who spot suspicious activity ongoing in their streets is really important in helping us to respond to burglary offences, and we always encourage people to make reports to us.”
Members of the public who observe suspicious activity are urged to report it by dialing 101 or utilising the online reporting service at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat. In situations where a crime is in progress, it is advised to call emergency services immediately by dialing 999. Anonymous information can also be shared through the independent Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111.
