Holiday burglars behind bars after tip-off from sharp-eyed neighbour
House burgled while owners away
Two men have been jailed for a combined four-and-a-half years after raiding a home in Goring Way, Goring, while the occupants were on holiday. The break-in, reported on the morning of 12 August, left victims shaken and out of pocket.
Neighbour’s quick action cracks case
A vigilant neighbour spotted the house’s front door wide open and noticed a white Ford tipper truck missing from the driveway. They quickly alerted police, setting the investigation in motion.
Authorities tagged the stolen vehicle on the ANPR system, which caught a hit on a camera nearby not long after. Two licensed shotguns were also reported missing, triggering an urgent response from unmarked firearms officers.
Thieves caught red-handed
The stolen tipper was tracked and stopped heading east through Shoreham. Police arrested John Brooks, 49, from Worthing, and Anthony Micallef, 43, homeless. Inside the truck were stolen bikes and jars containing cash meant for the victims’ children, adding insult to injury.
The firearms were recovered and safely returned.
Justice served at Lewes Crown Court
Both men faced Lewes Crown Court on 16 November, landing 27 months each for burglary. Detective Constable Rick Brown praised Sussex Police’s teamwork:
“Thankfully in this case the offenders were quickly apprehended and the majority of the stolen property was recovered thanks to excellent work by different departments within Sussex Police.”
He added: “The impact on the victims cannot be underestimated, especially when children are involved. The length of the sentences shows how seriously police and courts take these crimes. My hope is this brings closure to the victims to move on with their lives.”
