Following an investigation by Cosham’s Neighbourhood Policing Team a 33-year-old man from Paulsgrove has been jailed for a year after admitting offences including breaking into a shop.

Charlie Lander of Harleston Road was sentenced at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on Tuesday 9 September after he admitted burglary other than dwelling, theft from a shop, and going equipped for burglary.

On Tuesday 24 June Lander was arrested on Cosham High Street by officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, in possession of a hammer, which it was suspected would be used to commit burglary offences. On Tuesday 15 July Lander stole wine from Morrisons Daily Portsbridge on Portsmouth Road. At 03:45am on Monday 21 July Lander was arrested after being found inside a vape shop in Cosham where he had smashed the door to get in  He was subsequently charged with all three offences.

Inspector Janine Sanger said: “I’m pleased that the court has imposed a custodial sentence on Lander which will prevent his offending. He actions have impacted the business community in Cosham and my team have been working hard to support local businesses and remove offenders like Lander from the area. We have seen a reduction in commercial burglaries in Cosham following this investigation.

“I’d encourage business owners to speak to our local officers when they carry our regular patrols in the area and provide information that can help us to secure convictions like this”.