IPSWICH: A homeless burglar who admitted carrying out two town centre break-ins is behind bars today.

Willem Dupisanie admitted breaking into Proctor’s Speciality Sausage shop in The Walk where the South African national stole meat from his homeland.

South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court in Ipswich heard the burglary took place between Tuesday and Wednesday last week.

The 21-year-old also pleaded guilty to a smash-and-grab raid at Heroes Fitness Store, also in The Walk.

Dupisanie broke one of the front windows of the shop with a brick. He then went in and stole cash from the till.

The incident took place between the night of May 30 and the early hours of May 31.

Police in the town moved quickly to reassure other shopkeepers who feared they would be targeted.

Dupisanie was arrested in St Nicholas Street on Saturday. He was interviewed by officers at Ipswich police station during the day and detained in custody on Sunday.

After being charged with burglary he was brought before court yesterday.

Dupisanie, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 56 days in prison for the break-ins.

Following the imprisonment, Inspector Andrew Mason, of the Central Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “I am really pleased with this positive police action.

“I know that this series of break-ins has been causing some concern to the town centre businesses and we have been working really hard with partners such as Ipswich Central to resolve the problem.

“This result means that retailers can feel confident that the town centre continues to be a safe place to trade.

“We have tried hard to keep the retailers up-to-date with developments and our offer of free security advice still stands.

“If any town centre retailer wishes to arrange a visit they can call 01473 613500 and speak to someone from Ipswich Central SNT.”