Pizza shop burglar is jailed for more than two years – Three Rivers

Dear Resident

A burglar who broke into a pizza shop and a newsagent in #CroxleyGreen has been sentenced to more than two years in prison.

Connor O’Sullivan-Smith, aged 30, of New Street in Paignton, Devon, received a prison term of two years and two months after pleading guilty to burglary (one count) of Croxley Supermarket, criminal damage (one count) of Farmhouse Pizza and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

The court heard how in the early hours of Friday 8 November 2024, O’Sullivan-Smith broke into Croxley Stores on Watford Road with the intention of stealing cigarettes.

Two members of the public called police after witnessing the suspicious activity. Officers quickly arrived on scene and contained O’Sullivan-Smith – who had filled a bag with cigarettes – inside the building. He attempted to escape by punching a hole in the adjoining wall between the newsagent and the pizza takeaway next door.

They also threw glass bottles at officers during the incident, but thankfully no one was injured. He was arrested after being found hiding inside Farmhouse Pizza before being swiftly taken into custody.

Thanks to calls from two members of the public, we were able to catch O’Sullivan-Smith in the act. It just goes to show that it’s vital to call us straight away if you think a crime is in progress. If something doesn’t feel right, or you think someone is in danger, dial 999.

We are pleased that O’Sullivan-Smith has received a custodial sentenced for his crimes, and hope it serves as a warning to would-be criminals who are considering targeting Three Rivers; we will not tolerate our hard-working businesses being targeted by those who choose to steal what does not belong to them.

To view a custody image of O'Sullivan-Smith, visit our website: Pizza shop burglar is jailed for more than two years – Three Rivers | Hertfordshire Constabulary

O'Sullivan-Smith's co-defendant was recently sentenced for his involvement in this case. Read more: Bushey shoplifter jailed after string of burglaries | Hertfordshire Constabulary

The sentencing comes at a time when the constabulary is focusing on driving down retail crime in town centres, in line with a national initiative led by the Home Office. The aim of the #SaferTownCentres campaign is to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour in town centres and ensure visible, meaningful consequences for those responsible.