Brighton burglar jailed after crime spree targeting homes, shops, and vehicles

A prolific burglar who targeted homes, vehicles, and businesses across Brighton and Hove has been jailed for more than five years. Craig Knight, 34, of no fixed address, carried out a string of burglaries and thefts between January 2023 and August 2025 — causing significant disruption and distress to residents and local traders. Crime spree […]

A prolific burglar who targeted homes, vehicles, and businesses across Brighton and Hove has been jailed for more than five years.

Craig Knight, 34, of no fixed address, carried out a string of burglaries and thefts between January 2023 and August 2025 — causing significant disruption and distress to residents and local traders.

Crime spree uncovered

Knight’s offending began in January 2023 when he was caught acting suspiciously around a van with its alarm sounding in a car park on Chapel Street, Brighton.

Security staff detained him and police discovered a knife, drugs, and a letter addressed to a recently burgled tattoo shop in Kemp Town. CCTV later showed Knight damaging another nearby shopfront in an attempted burglary.

He was arrested and recalled to prison for breaching his licence conditions linked to previous offences.

On June 17, 2025, Knight was charged with possessing a bladed article, possession of Class B drugs, burglary and attempted burglary.

Before attending court, Knight committed another home burglary in Clifton Hill on July 10, stealing several items and a car which was later tracked to Lewes. Police arrested him as he returned from a supermarket.

Further offences while on bail

While awaiting sentencing, Knight continued offending:

August 8: Entered a property in Pelham Street, stealing equipment from an outbuilding.

August 9: Stole food and drink from a supermarket in St James’s Street and assaulted staff.

August 10: Broke into a home in Farm Hill and was chased off by a resident.

August 15: Stole items from a vehicle in Valley Road, Portslade.

Following an investigation supported by the Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership, Knight was tracked to East Street on August 22 and arrested once again.

He faced multiple charges including two counts of burglary, burglary other than a dwelling, theft of a vehicle, theft from a vehicle, assault, and theft from a shop.

Sentenced at Lewes Crown Court

Knight appeared at Lewes Crown Court on 22 September, where he pleaded guilty to all the August offences.
He was sentenced on 14 October to five years and three months in prison.

Eight additional offences committed in August were taken into account during sentencing.

Police statement

Detective Constable James Botting, who led the investigation, said:

“Each burglary left behind more than just the loss of valuable possessions — it caused lasting distress, anxiety, and disruption to those affected.

Through a thorough investigation, teamed with strong community support, we were able to build a clear picture of Knight’s offending and present overwhelming evidence against him. Faced with this, he had little choice but to admit to his crimes.

We hope this result brings reassurance to his victims and the wider community that we will continue to take firm action against those who target others for their own gain.”