A man has been jailed for three years and nine months for offences including two burglaries in Portsmouth.

On 22 May, we received a report that St Marks Church on Derby Road had been broken into and that a window had been smashed in the process. Nothing was taken during the incident.

On 26 May, we received a report that an address on Ophir Road had been broken into overnight and that items including a wallet had been stolen from the address. Bank cards from the wallet had then been used to make various transactions.

Following an investigation by the Eastern Area Crime Team, Gareth Williams, 47, of Kingston Road in Fratton, was arrested and charged in connection with the offences. On arrest, heroin was found on his person, and he was further arrested for this offence.

Williams pleaded guilty to the following offences on 1 September:

• Burglary other than dwelling with intent to steal
• Burglary dwelling and theft – no violence
• Possess a controlled drug of Class A – heroin

He appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday 17 October, where he was sentenced to 45 months imprisonment.

PC Tony Percival of the Eastern Area Crime Team said, “I am pleased with this result and I feel it reflects the seriousness with which we treat burglary offences.

“Burglary is an intrusive crime which can take victims a long time to recover from and can have an untold, long-lasting impact. Nobody should be made to feel unsafe in their own home.

“Hampshire and the Isle of Wight remains a hostile place for criminals and this sentence should send a strong message to anyone thinking of offending that we will put you in front of the courts and you will face justice for your actions.”

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, below. Always call 999 if you are in danger or if a crime is in progress.

Report a crime | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary