Burglar, 41, jailed for five years after he stole jewellery in Hampshire and Dorset

A burglar has been jailed for five years after he stole jewellery worth almost £30,000 from homes in Hampshire and Dorset.

Andrew Donoghue, 41, of no fixed abode, broke into seven properties before taking a number of items including jewellery, watches, gift vouchers and computer equipment.

The items which were stolen between 24 April and 17 May were worth a total of approximately £28,500.

Following a number of reports, officers from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Northern Area Crime Team launched an investigation and arrested Donoghue.

He was later charged with six counts of burglary dwelling and theft, one count of burglary dwelling – with intent to steal and one count of attempted burglary dwelling with intent to steal.

Donoghue pleaded guilty to all offences and was jailed for a total of five years at Winchester Crown Court on Friday 2 August.

The court heard that:

- On 17 May, Donoghue entered two properties on Bernard Avenue, Four Marks, and stole jewellery. 
- On 17 May, Donoghue entered a property on Blackberry Lane, Four Marks, and stole gift vouchers, a mobile phone and jewellery.
- On 17 May, Donoghue entered a property on Siskin Close, Bishop’s Waltham, and stole jewellery and watches.
- On 17 May, Donoghue entered a property on Warnford Road, Corhampton, and stole jewellery.
- On 8 May, Donoghue entered a property on Sandy Lane, Colehill, Dorset, and stole jewellery.
- On 3 May, an attempt was made to enter a property on Woodfield Drive, Winchester. Nothing was reported stolen.
- On 24 April, Donoghue entered a property on Harewood Avenue, Bournemouth, and stole jewellery, cameras, computer equipment and gold and silver coins.

DS Adam Knight, of the Northern Area Crime Team, said: “Andrew Donoghue’s crime spree was targeted and brazen and I would like to thank the officers and staff who worked hard to gather the evidence against him.

“Breaking into someone’s home and stealing their property is an intrusive crime which causes immeasurable distress to its victims, and we do not underestimate the impact that this has on those who are affected.

“We work really hard to ensure that those who commit these crimes face the consequences of their actions. I hope that this result helps the victims of these burglaries to move forward and we will continue doing everything we can to support those affected by burglary and bring offenders before the courts.”

We urge anyone who has been the victim of burglary or anyone who has any information on burglary or stolen goods to contact us on 101 or via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website. Always call 999 if you are in danger or if a crime is in progress.

For information and advice about how you can help protect your home and property from burglary, please visit our website: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/