A serial burglar was jailed after being caught stealing money from a church.
James Peter Santamera stole a wallet containing money and bank card from the presbytery of a church in Clubmoor.
The 46-year-old was appeared in Liverpool Crown Court, on Monday, February 7, where a judge also heard about four other burglaries that took place across the city.
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Santamera, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to burglary and fraud and received three years and eight months in jail.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Tony O’Brien, who heads up the burglary team (Operation Castle) said: "I am pleased that Santamera has been given a custodial sentence for his crime and he has been removed from the streets after causing a great deal of distress and harm with his offending.
"Burglaries and theft can have a massive impact on victims, so I hope that while behind bars he will take the time to reflect on his crimes and the consequences his actions can have on those he targeted.
"I would continue to encourage people to report any suspicious behaviour including the sale of stolen goods so we can take action.
"We are determined to keep reducing offences and the harm this causes across Merseyside, and we will act on information we receive.
"Burglary offences have decreased year on year across Merseyside thanks largely to Operation Castle, an operation targeted at reducing burglaries, bringing offenders to justice, and ultimately sparing residents the anguish of being a victim of burglary."
You can also report any concerns to police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or via Twitter @MerPolCC.
You can also pass information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org
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