A CROOK has pleaded guilty to a string of burglaries targeting shops and cafes.

Dale Crozier admitted six burglaries at business in Brighton and Hove in a six-day crime spree.

The shops and cafes he targeted were badly damaged and there was a “significant impact” on their owners.

Crozier, 28, was charged in relation to break-ins at Brighton Natural Health Centre, Regent Street, Brighton, on October 18; Billies Café, Goldstone Villas, Hove, on October 18; Baked Café, Church Road, Hove, on October 19; Billies Café, Hampton Place, Brighton, on October 24; and Brighton Marina Village on December 5.

He was also charged with one count of shoplifting from Farah, Dukes Lane, Brighton, on October 24.

The charges came as a result of an investigation by Brighton and Hove detectives into a spate of business burglaries in the area.

Detective Constable Paul Heal said: “A lot of damage was caused to the properties in four of the burglaries, which has had a significant impact on the businesses involved.

“We are pleased to have identified the man responsible for these burglaries, and to have secured a guilty plea, which means those

involved are saved the stress of a trial.”

Crozier, unemployed, of no fixed address, appeared before Brighton magistrates on Friday and pleaded guilty to all six charges.

He was remanded in custody for sentencing on January 3.