Prolific Brighton burglar jailed after crime spree across city

A prolific burglar and thief who targeted homes, businesses and a vehicle during a crime spree across Brighton and Hove has been jailed for 28 months.

David Mann, 45, of Grand Parade, Brighton, pleaded guilty to seven offences and admitted a further seven crimes which were taken into consideration when he was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday, 28 August.

His offending included breaking into a home in Lorna Road, Hove, during the early hours of 27 June.

Sussex Police said Mann scaled scaffolding before forcing his way through a bathroom window and stealing jewellery and electronic items.

CCTV enquiries following a report to police helped investigators identify Mann leaving the area.

The following day, Mann entered a health store in Brighton and stole products worth around £200.

On 12 July, he targeted student accommodation in Baker Street. Police said Mann took advantage of the reception desk being temporarily unattended, leaned over the counter and stole an iPad before leaving the building.

Two days later, on 14 July, Mann targeted a vehicle parked in an unloading bay behind The Brighton Centre.

He stole a mobile phone and other belongings from the cab, with CCTV capturing him approaching the vehicle and later leaving with the stolen property.

His offending continued on 20 July when a purse was reported missing from a property in Wilbury Road, Hove.

The elderly victim and a family member initially believed the purse may have been misplaced, but checks with the victim’s bank revealed unauthorised transactions at a nearby cash machine and an off-licence in central Brighton.

Police obtained CCTV which showed Mann approaching the property, while further footage showed him heading towards the cash machine used in attempts to withdraw money.

With assistance from the Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership, investigators linked Mann to the series of incidents and began efforts to locate him.

He was arrested on 30 July with the assistance of security officers in Brighton.

A search found a multitool, torch and metal bars, leading to Mann being further arrested on suspicion of going equipped for burglary.

The Crown Prosecution Service authorised seven charges, including two counts of burglary, burglary other than a dwelling, shop theft, fraud by false representation, theft from a motor vehicle and going equipped for burglary.

Mann appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 31 July and was remanded in custody.

He subsequently admitted all seven offences and, while in custody, admitted another seven offences which were taken into consideration at sentencing.

At Lewes Crown Court on 28 August, Mann was sentenced to 28 months in prison.

Detective Constable James Botting, who led the investigation, said Mann had shown “zero regard” for the people affected by his offending.

He said some of the jewellery stolen had sentimental value which could never be replaced, and thanked victims and witnesses whose evidence and footage helped police bring the offending to an end.

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