Brighton burglar and thief jailed after offending spree

David Mann, 45, of Grand Parade, Brighton committed multiple offences in the Brighton and Hove area across June and July. 

In the early hours on June 27, Mann burgled a property in Lorna Road, Hove, after scaling scaffolding and forcing his way through a bathroom window.

He made off from the address with jewellery and electronics.

Following a report to police the next day, CCTV enquiries soon led to a person, later identified as Mann, being spotted leaving the area.

The following day Mann entered a health store in Brighton and filled his pockets with around £200 worth of products before exiting, making no attempts to pay.

On July 12, he entered a student housing building in Baker Street, Brighton, and leant over a desk to steal an iPad when the reception counter was briefly unattended. 

Just over a week later, on July 20, a purse was reported as stolen from a property in Wilbury Road, Hove.

Initially, the elderly victim thought the purse may have been mislaid.

However, enquiries with the victims’ bank highlighted that unauthorised transactions had been made at a nearby cash machine, and at an off licence in central Brighton.

Police examined nearby CCTV and Mann was seen approaching the building.

He was also seen on further cameras travelling in the direction of the ATM he used in attempts to withdraw cash.

On July 14, a vehicle in the unloading bay at the rear of The Brighton Centre was also targeted by Mann, who managed to steal the victims’ mobile phone, as well as other items from the cab.

CCTV showed Mann as he approached the vehicle, and then leaving the area with stolen items in his possession.

During the course of the investigation, with assistance from the Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership, Mann was identified as a suspect in all of the incidents, and efforts were made to locate him across the city.

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

Mann was then searched, leading to the discovery of a multitool, a torch, and metal bars.

He was then further arrested on suspicion of going equipped for burglary.

Mann was charged with two counts of burglary, burglary other than dwelling, theft from a shop, fraud by false representation, theft from a motor vehicle, and going equipped for burglary.

He appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on July 31, and was remanded into custody.

Mann pleaded guilty to all seven offences, and admitted to a further seven while in custody, with these also taken into consideration at his sentencing.

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

Detective Constable, James Botting, who led the case, said: "Mann had zero regard for the many people he impacted during this period of offending.

"He stole a number of items, including victims' jewellery, some of which held sentimental value and can never be replaced.

"He also and broke into people's homes, a place where they should feel most secure.

"We thank the many victims and witnesses who have provided vital pieces of information, footage, and other evidence, making it impossible for Mann to deny his involvement and to help bring his series of offending to an end."