Polegate burglar jailed for three years for burglaries across Eastbourne

A man from Polegate has been jailed for burglaries across Eastbourne.

Steven Stacey, 33, burgled six addresses and attempted to burgle a seventh between 17 March and 29 April this year.

During the burglaries, Stacey would often knock at the door of the property to check no one was home before smashing through a back door or window and taking items from the address.

Stacey was first arrested on 14 April in connection with two burglaries and one attempted burglary that took place between 17 March and 10 April.

When interviewed, Stacey claimed for a number of the burglaries that he had seen the back door of the property already smashed and had entered the property only to look around as an ‘urban explorer’.

He was charged with two counts of burglary, and attempted burglary the next day, and after appearing at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 16 April, he was granted court bail.

The prolific burglar continued his spree shortly after on 22 April, targeting four more addresses within the space of a week.

He was arrested on 30 April and swiftly charged the same day with four counts of burglary and possession of a class B drug.

On 1 May, Stacey appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court and was remanded into custody.

At hearing at Lewes Crown Court one month later (1 June) Stacey pleaded guilty to all charges and was remanded into custody ahead of his sentencing on 10 August.

Steven Stacey, 33, of Southfield, Polegate, appeared at Lewes Crown Court on 10 August and was jailed for three years.

Detective Sergeant Jake O’Reilly said: “We understand that the impact of burglaries can be long lasting for victims, not just financially but emotionally too.

“Sussex Police will continue to investigate any report of burglary, pursuing all reasonable lines of enquiry to hold offenders accountable for their crimes, bring justice to victims and work to ensure members of our community feel safe.”