Hailsham burglar and fraudster jailed

A prolific offender has been jailed for more than three years after admitting burglary, fraud and theft offences in Hailsham.

Michael Stonestreet, 38, targeted victims across the town in a series of incidents spanning several months.

In one offence, Stonestreet entered an address and stole a victim’s handbag before using stolen bank cards at a nearby convenience store and garage. Following swift enquiries, officers identified him from CCTV footage at both locations. He was arrested the following morning, on Friday 13 February, and charged later that evening.

At the time of his arrest, Stonestreet was already wanted in connection with a separate fraud investigation from December 2025. After a victim’s purse was found discarded in the street, enquiries identified Stonestreet carrying out a number of ATM withdrawals totalling almost £2,000 using the victim’s cards. He was subsequently charged with fraud by false representation.

He was also sought in connection with the theft of nearly £2,000 cash from a vehicle in Hailsham in November 2025. CCTV enquiries identified him stealing a rucksack containing the cash from a van before running from the scene. He was charged with theft from a motor vehicle.

On Friday, 15 May, at Hove Crown Court, having previously admitted all three offences, Stonestreet was sentenced to three years and two months’ imprisonment.

Detective Sergeant Jake O’Reilly, from the East Sussex Burglary Unit, said: “We recognise the emotional and financial impact these offences have on victims, and we will always do our utmost to quickly identify and apprehend those responsible.

“I would like to thank the witnesses and officers involved in this investigation whose work ensured Stonestreet was brought before the courts and held accountable for his actions.”