A man has been jailed for four years and two months following a series of burglaries.

The court heard that between January and June 2026, Krystian Szymanski targeted a number of properties in Southampton and one in Exeter while residents were away from home.

In several incidents, Szymanski gained entry by smashing windows before ransacking properties in search of valuables. At one address alone, more than £24,000 worth of belongings were taken, and at another he made off with a life-sized statue of Dobby from the Harry Potter franchise.

Other items stolen during the incidents included heirloom jewellery, military medals, credit cards, handbags, watches, electronic devices, a bicycle and other personal possessions.

Victim personal statements detailed the devastating impact the burglaries had caused. One victim explained that many of the stolen items represented family history, cherished memories and possessions that could never truly be replaced. Others spoke of the distress of no longer feeling at ease in what had once been their place of safety, and their anxiety that someone may burgle their property again.

Following an investigation, Krystian Szymanski, 42, of no fixed abode, was charged with and pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary dwelling – with intent to steal.

A further two burglaries and two fraud offences were also taken into consideration. These are offences that Szymanski has not been charged with, but admits, and can be considered as part of the sentencing.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court yesterday (20 August), Szymanski was sentenced to four years and two months in prison.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Nicola Rose said: “Szymanski’s actions caused significant distress to a number of victims. Burglary is a particularly intrusive offence and its impact does not end when the offender leaves. Victims are often left feeling violated and vulnerable, with the emotional effects lasting long after the financial loss has been calculated.

“I am pleased that Szymanski has been held accountable for his actions and is now behind bars. This sentence is thanks to the Western Area Crime Team’s dedicated work to tackling residential breaks. I hope this sentence provides some reassurance to those affected and demonstrates our commitment to pursuing offenders who commit these crimes.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home, and we will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible for burglary offences to justice.”