Duo convicted of residential burglary in Pennington

Two people have been convicted for their roles in a residential burglary in the New Forest; who were found hiding in bushes to evade detection.

During a hearing at Southampton Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday 11 October) Benjamin Edward Jenkins, 47, of no fixed abode and Rebecca Louise Conlan, 42, of Stapleford Close, Romsey were sentenced to 18 months and eight months respectively.

It comes after the pair forced entry into a property on Ramley Road in Pennington on Tuesday 27 September 2022 at around 9.45pm. They gained access via a bathroom window and completed a messy search of the property with a quantity of jewellery stolen by Conlan; while attempts were made to steal a vintage motorcycle from an unattached garage at the property.

Officers attended the scene and locating Jenkins and Conlan hiding at the bottom of an extensive, and overgrown, rear garden.

Forensics taken from inside the bathroom window belonged to Benjamin Jenkins, while jewellery belonging to one of the victims’ family members was found inside a backpack which was being carried by Rebecca Conlan.

Further evidence obtained from seized phones revealed messages between them discussing plans to break in and steal property from the address and another that Benjamin Jenkins was staying at in Totton. Details of motorcycle parts dealers were recovered and further enquiries demonstrated that they sold parts that are identified by the victim as having been inside the Pennington property.

The pair attended a hearing at Southampton Crown Court on 20 September and pleaded guilty to the offences put to them; Benjamin Jenkins was convicted of burglary dwelling and theft from a dwelling. While Rebecca Conlan was convicted of burglary non-dwelling and handling stolen goods.

Appearing at the same court yesterday (Wednesday 11 October) Benjamin Jenkins was given a custodial sentence of 18 months, while Rebecca Conlan was sentenced to eight months in prison for her part in the burglary.

Detective Constable Rob Harnett, said: “Burglary is such an intrusive crime for anyone who has been a victim, but thankfully, no one was present in the address at the time that the offences were committed.

“The pair were calculated in their actions and showed clear motivation to commit burglary at the two address known to Jenkins; having already sold a number of items stolen from the property in Pennington.

“We are hopeful that news that the pair are now behind bars is welcomed by the local community, safe in the knowledge that they will not be out on the streets for a prolonged period. We will continue to relentlessly pursue criminals who cause harm in our communities and bring those responsible to justice.

“As a reminder to local residents, please remember to shut, and lock, all windows - no matter how small they are - to ensure that access to your property is secure at all times when you’re not in.”

If you see anything suspicious, please make a report via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website or by calling 101. Please dial 999 immediately if it is an emergency or if a crime is in progress.