A BURGLAR who broke into a Salisbury home - stealing valuables and a car - has been jailed for nearly five years.

Andrew Evan Smith, of Goldsmith Avenue in Southsea, was sentenced on Monday at Portsmouth Crown Court to four years and eight months in prison after stealing thousands of pounds worth of jewellery in a series of burglaries.

Salisbury Journal:

Smith, broke into the property on Australian Avenue and stole jewellery and computers, as well as a car, which was parked outside the address. The stolen vehicle was later recovered on the Hampshire/Surrey border.

The 34-year-old pleaded guilty on May 26 at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court to a string of offences primarily in the Hampshire area and included the Salisbury break-in which took place in April this year.

On the afternoon of April 10 this year, Smith burgled a house in St Johns Road, Locks Heath and stole cash and a bank card from a wallet inside.

On the same afternoon, he burgled a house in Warsash Road and stole watches and jewellery.

And on April 11, he burgled a house in Alum Way and stole jewellery. Later that same afternoon, he burgled a house on Brook Lane and stole jewellery.

Inspector Pete Sparrow, from the Salisbury Area Community Policing Team, said: “Following the burglary in Salisbury, our local Community Tasking Team worked hard with colleagues in Hampshire Police which led to the arrest this prolific offender.

“This is a good result; one which shows the benefits of partnership working with police and agencies across borders.

“This news is no doubt welcomed by this man’s victims, who he caused much misery to by breaking in to their homes, including those living in Australian Avenue.”