Daytime Burglars Nab Cash and Designer Goods in Minnitt Road Raid
A flat on Minnitt Road was targeted in broad daylight on 1 November 2020. The burglars struck between 2.20pm and 2.30pm, making off with cash, jewellery, designer handbags, an iPad, and a mobile phone.
Police Nab Two in Major Burglary Crackdown
After a thorough investigation by the Operation Hawk team, Curtis Coombes, 34, formerly of South Street, and Aaron James Smethurst, 36, formerly of Bemisters Lane in Gosport, were charged with burglary. Both men pleaded guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court on 14 December.
Jail Time for Burglars
- Smethurst was sentenced to 29 months in prison on 6 April.
- Coombes received 27 months on 25 March — 26 months for the burglary plus an extra four weeks because the crime happened while he was serving a suspended sentence.
A 27-year-old Gosport woman involved received a conditional caution for obstructing the police.
Detective Promises Tough Stance on Burglary
“This was a high-value burglary in which the culprits brazenly searched a flat in the middle of the day to steal anything they could get their hands on,” said Detective Sergeant Deborah Mason from Operation Hawk.
“I hope the hard work of our officers, and the subsequent convictions through the courts, reassure the community that we are committed to tackling those who offend in this way and we will bring them to justice.”
