Burglar and shoplifter caught out by distinctive boot print

A distinctive boot print helped police catch a prolific thief who broke into two city centre shops by kicking holes in their roofs.

Burglar Danny Emmerson smashed his way into the neighbouring stores in Clumber Street, Nottingham, during the early hours of 17 June 2025.

The 39-year-old fled with thousands of pounds worth of trainers and clothes from one shop and electrical equipment from the other.

Staff at both shops discovered a hole in the roof where a trespasser had entered.

When officers attended the scene of the burglaries to gather evidence, they were alerted to an unusual print on a section of ceiling which had been kicked in.

A boot print on a section of ceiling helped to convict Emmerson

Emmerson was identified as a suspect by security teams and officers when they checked CCTV footage.

He was arrested later the same day and when his walking boots were seized and analysed, the soles were found to match the prints.

Emmerson, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary.

He also admitted a further burglary, at a supermarket in St Ann's Well Road, St Ann's, on 31 January 2026 where he broke in and stole food.

Emmerson also pleaded guilty to five counts of shoplifting after stealing board games, chocolate and coffee from a number of different stores during February and March this year.

At Nottingham Crown Court on Monday (1 June) he was jailed for a total of 18 months.

Police Constable Jonathan Everett, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

"Emmerson stamped his way through the roofs of these two shops, little realising he was leaving behind vital evidence.

"Thorough investigations at crime scenes like this enable us to gather the evidence needed to convict thieves and burglars like Emmerson.

"He has an unenviable record of persistent acquisitive criminality so I'm pleased he will now have a spell behind bars."