Brighton Burglar Jailed for Regency Area Break-Ins

A Brighton burglar has been jailed for targeting multiple properties in the Regency area earlier this year. James Filan, 45, of Lysons Road, Hampshire, carried out two burglaries on 6 January 2026. The first incident occurred at Metropole Court, where CCTV captured Filan approaching the property. Neighbours later discovered the door had been forced open, […]

A Brighton burglar has been jailed for targeting multiple properties in the Regency area earlier this year.

James Filan, 45, of Lysons Road, Hampshire, carried out two burglaries on 6 January 2026. The first incident occurred at Metropole Court, where CCTV captured Filan approaching the property. Neighbours later discovered the door had been forced open, but Filan had already fled the scene.

Later the same day, a second burglary was reported at a property in Regency Square, with electronics and other items stolen. Sussex Police enquiries at a local electronics resale shop on Western Road revealed Filan had sold the stolen goods shortly after the Regency Square burglary.

Filan was tracked down and arrested on 21 January 2026 in North Wales. Brighton detectives travelled to Wales to facilitate his arrest. He was charged with burglary and burglary with intent to steal.

Filan appeared at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court on 23 January and was remanded in custody. Following a guilty plea at Lewes Crown Court on 20 February, he was sentenced to three years in prison.

Detectives praised the swift investigation and cross-border cooperation that led to Filan’s capture, highlighting Sussex Police’s commitment to tackling burglary and protecting local communities.