Crawley Down Burglar Jailed for Break-In Spree

A serial burglar who targeted homes in Crawley Down has been jailed for a series of early morning break-ins that left residents shaken. Tony Cooper, 32, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 21 months in prison at Portsmouth Crown Court on July 4 after admitting multiple offences, including attempted burglary, vehicle theft, and fraud. […]

A serial burglar who targeted homes in Crawley Down has been jailed for a series of early morning break-ins that left residents shaken.

Tony Cooper, 32, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 21 months in prison at Portsmouth Crown Court on July 4 after admitting multiple offences, including attempted burglary, vehicle theft, and fraud.

The offences occurred in the early hours of March 22 this year in the Bowers Place area. Cooper attempted to break into four homes and stole items from three vehicles parked nearby. Though nothing was reported stolen from the houses, Sussex Police confirmed that forced entry had been attempted while residents were asleep.

Two days later, officers tracked Cooper down in a vehicle on the A27 near Arundel and arrested him. He was swiftly charged with four counts of attempted burglary, three counts of theft from a vehicle, and one count of fraud by false representation. Cooper pleaded guilty to all charges at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on March 26 and was remanded in custody.

“We recognise the financial and emotional distress burglaries can cause. While nothing was stolen during most of these incidents, the fact that Cooper deliberately tried to enter people’s homes while they slept is deeply concerning.

Detective Inspector Lee Simmonds from Crawley CID said:

“Home should be a place of safety. In this warm weather, we urge residents to keep doors and windows locked – especially if they are in the garden or out of the house – and not to leave valuables on display.”

As part of the ongoing investigation, a 39-year-old man from Bognor Regis and a 24-year-old man from Croydon were also arrested in connection with the break-ins. Both have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Residents are encouraged to review their home security and follow burglary prevention tips available from Sussex Police.