Ann Summers Burglars Get Jail Time and Community Order

Two burglars were apprehended shortly after stealing approximately £12,000 worth of lingerie and sex toys from an Ann Summers store in Nottingham. CCTV footage captured Jason Kamal, 48, and Ashley Hillsley, 21, breaking into the Long Row branch of the store in the early hours of August 14.

The pair, wearing gloves and high-visibility clothing, disabled an alarm panel and damaged the stockroom before loading the stolen goods into a vehicle. Police responded to the burglary report within three minutes, causing the men to flee.

Officers detained both individuals, and body-camera footage revealed a significant quantity of Ann Summers stock discovered in the boot of Hillsley's car. Police were able to recover the stolen items following the arrests.

Kamal initially denied involvement despite CCTV evidence, while Hillsley claimed he was coerced into participating and served primarily as a lookout, with the promise of financial gain. He stated he was told he would no longer be 'a nobody.'

In addition to the Ann Summers theft, Kamal faced charges for a separate burglary at Professional Mobile in Arnold, Nottingham, on July 28, where electronic devices valued at £13,000 were stolen. Evidence at that scene included a vape containing Kamal's DNA, and he was found to be using a phone stolen from the store. He was also connected to four other store break-ins.

Kamal, described as having no fixed address, and Hillsley, from Mansfield, Nottingham, appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on October 15. Kamal pleaded guilty to six counts of burglary, while Hillsley admitted to one count.

Kamal was sentenced to three years in prison. Hillsley received an 18-month community order, which includes probation requirements and 150 hours of unpaid work.

Chief Inspector Kylie Davies of Nottinghamshire Police commended the officers for their swift apprehension of the suspects and the recovery of the stolen goods. She emphasized that the criminals lacked sophisticated planning and that all evidence led to their guilty pleas. Davies also highlighted the impact of business crime, stating that officers worked diligently to ensure justice for the affected businesses.