Two and-a-half year prison sentence for 41 year-old burglar from Waterlooville.

A 41 year-old man has been sentenced to 31 months in prison for burglary offences in Waterlooville.

Raymond Brain of Magpie Walk in Waterlooville admitted offences including burglary, theft, and vehicle interference at Portsmouth Crown Court on Monday 31 July.

The court heard that in the early hours of 26 June Brain was seen on CCTV trying vehicle handles on Chaplains Avenue in Waterlooville, but didn’t gain access to three cars that he targeted. He then gained entry to a conservatory and tried to access the rest of the house he had broken into, but the homeowner woke up. He stole a set of keys and then stole items from a car nearby. He was seen on CCTV near the same house two days later, but entry was not gained on the second occasion. Later on the morning of 26 June Brain damaged items and stole cash from St George’s Church. The following day Brain was seen at Sainsbury’s in Waterlooville attempting to steal alcohol.

On Friday 29 September at the same court he was sentenced to a total of 31 months in prison.

Investigating officer PC Rosy Dudeney-Cotteril said: “Burgling someone’s home is a really intrusive crime and is incredibly distressing, we don’t underestimate the impact that crimes of this type have on victims. This significant sentence recognises the pattern of behaviour that these offences demonstrated.

“I really do hope this result helps the victims to move forward with their lives in the knowledge that justice has been secured for them. We will do everything we possibly can to support those who have been affected by these crimes and bring offenders before the courts. It’s also important to stress that Brain’s behaviour at the Sainsburys store meant that staff were intimidated. They should not have to face this kind of behaviour when they are working.

“We urge anyone who has been the victim of dwelling burglary or anyone who has information on burglary or stolen goods to contact us on 101 or via the Hampshire Constabulary website”.

For more information on how to protect your home from burglary, visit our crime prevention page: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/

We will continue to relentlessly pursue criminals so that their lives, not those of local people, are a misery and we want people to feel confident to report crime to us.