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Duo admit tv theft burglary of holiday let in County Durham

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Duo admit tv theft burglary of holiday let in County Durham

Date of alert:

Monday, 21 March 2022

Crime Ref:

Force:

Durham Constabulary

TWO men have admitted breaking into a converted former farm barn, but on the basis it is not classed as a “dwelling”.

James Ball and Christopher Kenning were arrested shortly after a report was received of a break-in at Turnip Barn, Witton Gilbert, near Durham, on the morning of Tuesday November 23, last year.

A television was taken from the property, which is let out as a holiday cottage separate from the nearby farm.

The issue of whether or not it is classed as a “dwelling” in the eyes of the law has been the subject of debate over a number of recent hearings at Durham Crown Court, as the penalty for breaking into lived in premises is greater than for commercial property.

In a statement from the owners the court heard it is rented out for 41 of 52 weeks a year as a holiday let, on a self-catering basis, with the average length of stay usually about a week.

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Duo admit tv theft burglary of holiday let in County Durham
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