A burglar who scaled scaffolding, leant over desks and used multitools and bars to break into homes and cars is now behind bars.
Prolific burglar and thief David Mann was jailed for 28 months for multiple counts of burglary and theft across Brighton and Hove.
Mann, 45, of Grand Parade, Brighton, burgled a property in Lorna Road, Hove in the early hours on 27 June after scaling scaffolding and forcing his way through a bathroom window. He made off from the address with jewellery and electronics.
Following a report to police the next day, CCTV enquiries soon led to a person, later identified as Mann, being spotted leaving the area.
On 28 June, Mann entered a health store in Brighton and filled his pockets with around £200 worth of products before exiting, making no attempts to pay.
On 12 July, Mann entered a student housing building in Baker Street, Brighton.
Seizing an opportunity when the reception counter was briefly unattended, he leant over the desk, stole an iPad, and exited the premises.
Just over a week later, on 20 July, a purse was reported as stolen from a property in Wilbury Road, Hove.
Initially, the elderly victim and a family member had thought the purse may have been mislaid, however enquiries with the victims’ bank highlighted that unauthorised transactions had been made at a nearby cash machine, and at an off licence in central Brighton.
The report to police prompted nearby CCTV to be collected, and after careful review, Mann was seen approaching the building. He was also seen on further CCTV travelling in the direction of the ATM he used in attempts to withdraw cash.
On 14 July, a vehicle in the unloading bay at the rear of The Brighton Centre was targeted by Mann. He managed to steal the victims’ mobile phone, as well as other items from the cab.
CCTV showed Mann as he approached the vehicle, and then him also leaving the area with stolen items in his possession.
During the course of the investigation, with assistance from the Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership, Mann was identified as a suspect in all of the incidents, and efforts were made to locate him across the city.
On 30 July, with the help of Brighton security officers, he was apprehended and arrested for a series of offences.
He was searched, leading to the discovery of a multitool, a torch and metal bars. He was then further arrested on suspicion of going equipped for burglary.
The Crown Prosecution Service authorised seven charges against Mann. Two counts of burglary, burglary, other than dwelling, theft from a shop, fraud by false representation, theft from a motor vehicle, and going equipped for burglary.
He appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 31 July, and was remanded into custody.
Mann pleaded guilty to all seven offences, and while in custody admitted to a further seven, with these also taken into consideration at his sentencing.
At Lewes Crown Court on Friday, 28 August, Mann was sentenced to 28 months in prison.
Detective Constable, James Botting, who led the case, said: “Mann had zero regard for the many people he impacted during this period of offending.
“He stole a number of items, including victims’ jewellery, some of which held sentimental value and can never be replaced.
“He also and broke into people’s homes, a place where they should feel most secure.
“We thank the many victims and witnesses who have provided vital pieces of information, footage, and other evidence, making it impossible for Mann to deny his involvement and to help bring his series of offending to an end.”
