A serial burglar who targeted a care home housing elderly and vulnerable residents in Leeds has been sentenced to four years in prison following a string of offences across west Leeds communities.
Christopher Clough, 48, of no fixed address, was jailed at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday after admitting one count of burglary and seven counts of attempted burglary. The crimes, which sparked considerable concern amongst residents in Pudsey and Bramley, occurred over a two-week period in June and July.
The court heard how Clough was caught on CCTV breaking into a care home in Pudsey in the early hours of 22 June 2025, where he was filmed trying multiple doors before gaining entry to a resident’s room. The burglar picked up a vase before being disturbed by staff and fleeing the scene by scaling a fence.
A local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) reviewing the security footage identified the intruder as Clough, who was already known to authorities. West Yorkshire Police confirmed he had been released on licence in June after serving part of a previous sentence for burglary.
Following the care home incident, detectives linked Clough to a series of attempted break-ins across Pudsey and Bramley over the subsequent fortnight. CCTV and doorbell camera footage showed him wearing a face covering whilst attempting to gain access to multiple residential properties in both areas.
Officers from the Leeds District Crime Team successfully tracked down the prolific offender using the digital evidence trail he had left behind. The investigation revealed a pattern of targeting vulnerable locations and residential properties across the two west Leeds neighbourhoods.
Detective Sergeant Seb Horan, from the Leeds District Crime Team, welcomed the substantial prison sentence. We welcome the sentence passed down to Clough for a series of crimes which I know caused considerable concern in the local area,” he said.
“I hope this sentence provides some reassurance to people in Bramley and Pudsey that a prolific offender has been taken off the streets. Knowing somebody has entered or tried to enter the place you should expect to feel safe is a distressing experience and we will always take reports of this nature seriously.”
The case highlights ongoing concerns about burglary rates in Leeds, which have been trending upward compared to the national average. According to recent crime statistics, burglary offences in Leeds are currently running at 1.54 times the national average as of September 2024, representing a 34% increase over the past three years.
Bramley and Pudsey have both been identified as areas where tackling residential burglary remains a key policing priority. The overall crime rate in Bramley and Stanningley stands at 215.5 crimes per 1,000 people, whilst Pudsey records 163.1 crimes per 1,000 residents.
West Yorkshire Police have emphasised the importance of modern security technology in solving such crimes. The widespread use of CCTV systems and video doorbells played a crucial role in identifying Clough and linking him to the series of offences.
DS Horan urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity: “I would encourage anyone who has information about burglary offending in their area to contact us so that we can take action.”
The sentencing comes amid heightened police efforts to combat burglary across west Leeds. Local policing teams have committed to intelligence-led patrols at key times to disrupt and deter offenders, alongside crime prevention initiatives to help residents protect their properties.
Care homes and facilities housing vulnerable residents have been particularly affected by criminal targeting in recent years. A separate case in November 2024 saw Mark Ambler, 42, jailed for three years and nine months after being caught in an elderly dementia patient’s bedroom at a care home in Armley.
The impact of such crimes extends beyond material loss, with victims often experiencing lasting psychological effects. Research shows that burglary victims, particularly elderly and vulnerable residents, can suffer from increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, and a diminished sense of security in their own homes.
Clough’s criminal history reveals a pattern of reoffending. Court records indicate he had previously breached the terms of his release conditions after being freed from prison in June, prompting a police manhunt before his eventual capture.
The four-year sentence handed down by Leeds Crown Court reflects the serious nature of targeting vulnerable victims and the persistent pattern of offending. Under current sentencing guidelines, Clough will likely serve at least half of his sentence before being eligible for release on licence.
Local councillors and community groups have welcomed the conviction, noting the unsettling effect such crimes have on neighbourhood cohesion and residents’ peace of mind. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the effectiveness of modern security measures in bringing offenders to justice.
Anyone with information about burglary or suspicious activity in their area is encouraged to contact West Yorkshire Police on 101 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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