Notorious Southampton Burglar Slapped With 33-Month Jail Term
A 31-year-old career criminal has finally been locked up for nearly three years following a spree of burglaries, assaults, and shoplifting across Southampton.
James Cain’s Crime Spree Exposed
James Edward Cain, with no fixed address, faced Southampton Crown Court on Monday 20 November after pleading guilty to multiple offences including burglary and fraud.
On 10 June 2023, Cain broke into a woman’s home on Shakespeare Avenue and made off with a handbag, wallet, jewellery, headphones, cosmetics, £60 cash, keys, a bank card, and sunglasses. The victim, a woman in her 20s, was at home but unharmed.
Cain later tried to use the stolen bank card at Game Nation on Portswood High Street, triggering police attendance. Officers found the victim’s ID card and bus pass discarded in the store’s toilet.
Violent Attacks and Shoplifting Rampage
Cain’s offending didn’t stop there. The court heard he also:
- Assaulted two security guards at WestQuay Shopping Centre on 13 September 2022 after being told to leave. Both men suffered minor injuries.
- Stole a £76 make-up bag from Boots on the same day, which was later recovered.
- Attacked two more security staff at the Co-op on Harbour Parade, causing minor injuries.
- Took two irons worth £680 from John Lewis at WestQuay in February 2023.
- Pinched six Superman costumes (£240) and a laptop from Rock Bottom Toys in June 2023.
- Stole £50 worth of booze from Asda on Portland Terrace in July 2023.
Cain was also found guilty of breaching a suspended sentence.
Police and Officials Praise Tough Sentencing
Detective Constable Jess Swift condemned Cain’s repeated criminality: “Cain’s offending has been persistent and has had a real impact on shop staff, security staff and the victim whose home he broke into.”
“Dwelling burglary is an intrusive and upsetting crime. We take it seriously and will do everything to bring offenders to justice. It’s not acceptable that staff are harassed and abused while doing their jobs.”
“We’re pleased with today’s sentence and hope it demonstrates our commitment to tackling crime and supporting victims.”
Southampton Central Inspector Tim Williams added:
“This type of criminality won’t be tolerated in our city centre. That’s why we launched the City Centre Unit to crack down on shoplifting, acquisitive crime, street robbery, anti-social behaviour and vagrancy.”
“We work closely with Go! Southampton and patrol key retail hubs to reassure residents and businesses. We encourage anyone with concerns to approach our officers.”
Cain will now serve 33 months behind bars – a clear warning to anyone thinking of causing chaos in Southampton’s streets.
