Burglar who caused "immeasurable distress" after breaking into multiple residential homes jailed
A burglar who has caused elderly citizens “immeasurable distress” after breaking into multiple residential homes, including a Waterlooville property, has been jailed.
The court heard how just after 8.00am on September 6, Banner broke into Abbey Court in Chertsey, Surrey, removing the CCTV cameras and stealing charity collection boxes for Battersea Dogs Home and Great Ormand Street Hospital.
The 34-year-old continued to break into Ebbage Court in Woking, Surrey, between 5.20am and 6am on September 28, damaging the doors in the process.
On October 11 at 7am, Banner forced entry to a donation box at Elsie Fudge House in Trojan Way in Waterlooville, where he stole an estimated £75, which had been collected to go towards activities for the residents.
PC Kevin Parker of Hampshire & IOW Constabulary’s Eastern Area Crime Team said: “I am pleased with this result and to see Banner be jailed for his repeated burglarising of establishments who serve elderly and vulnerable members of our communities.
“To specifically target and steal from these businesses, as well as from registered charities, is a display of appalling criminal behaviour which Banner deserves to face justice for.”
These offences also breached the conditions of a Criminal Behaviour Order that Banner was subject to, prohibiting him from attending residential homes.
During his court appearance, he pleaded guilty to the offences and was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment.
PS Toby Benson of the Surrey Police Proactive Investigation Team said: “Burglary is an intrusive crime which causes immeasurable distress to its victims.
“Banner’s repeated targeting of residential homes and charity boxes shows the lows that he would stoop to for personal gain. I am pleased that he now faces a term in prison to reflect on his actions.”