Norwich police charge man for Athena Games burglary

After nearly two months on the run, police confirmed a man has been arrested for breaking into Athena Games, in St Gregory's Alley.

The man admitted to the charges and is due to appear in court next month. 

A police spokeswoman said: "Following enquiries a man aged in his 20s was arrested on November 1.

"Samuel Wells aged 28, of Bishopbridge House in Norwich, was subsequently charged with burglary other than a dwelling.

Athena Games, in St Gregory's Alley (Image: Newsquest)

"He appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court on November 5 where he admitted the charge.

"He was released on police bail and is due to appear for sentencing at Norwich Magistrates again on December 19."

Police were initially called to Athena Games on September 15 after staff arrived and noticed broken glass scattered on the floor after a break-in.

As part of the inquiry police were provided CCTV from the shop to assist in catching the culprit.

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It spotted the burglar climbing through a small window in one of the rear doors to gain access to the shop floor after their attempt to kick down the doors failed.

Police were called to the shop on September 15 (Image: Athena Games)

While the shop managed to escape being fully ransacked it lost out on a day's worth of trade and nearly £200 - some of which was from the charity pot there.

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Mitchell Head, manager of Athena Games for three and a half years, added: "When I checked the CCTV it showed someone - first of all - trying to kick the doors in but they managed to hold.

"They then used a fire extinguisher to smash one of the smaller windows in the door and crawled through.

"We had to close all day Sunday, where we would usually take anywhere between £4,000 to £5,000."

Samuel Wells aged 28, is due to appear at Norwich Magistrates Court for sentencing on December 19 (Image: PA)