Purley man sentenced to two years for double burglary

Chris Kupiec, aged 31, of Hazel Road, Purley, pleaded guilty at Reading Crown Court to a dwelling burglary in Silverdale Road, Wargrave last October.
Jewellery, electrical goods, cash and a vehicle were stolen with an estimated value of between £12,000 and £15,000.
Some of the property was recovered shortly after the offence but World War II medals that were also stolen were only recovered by police on 21 March 2013, during a police drugs warrant at an address in Tilehurst, where a further two suspects were arrested and are currently on police bail.
Kupiec was also given a six month consecutive sentence in relation to the theft of two bronze historical cannons valued at £50,000 that were stolen but subsequently recovered from the grounds of a Sonning Common company in November.
Peter Cripps, aged 32, of Romsey Road, Tilehurst was given a 12 month supervision order in relation to handling stolen goods that related to the aforementioned burglary offence.
Investigating Officer, Pc Chris Susel of Lodden Valley said: “The custodial sentence given to the main suspect in this case Chris Kupiec, who had no previous convictions, is a substantial sentence, given by the recorder for the scene of devastation caused at the family home, that has left the victims traumatised.”