Prolific Burglar Caught: Leatherhead’s Frank Smith Jailed for Over Three Years
Frank Smith, 27, a criminal from Rutland Close, Leatherhead, has been slammed with a tough prison sentence after pleading guilty to 19 offences across Epsom and Ewell. Guildford Crown Court sentenced him on March 17 for a string of crimes that left locals shaken and traumatised.
Victims Speak Out: “Traumatised and Anxious” After Break-Ins
The impact on victims has been severe. One told how she should “feel safe in my home and not have to worry like I do, because of him.” Another revealed feeling “manipulated” by Smith, struggling to trust others since his actions.
A mother recounted the horrors of her home being burgled. “It’s devastating for me and my family. Our home was meant to be a safe place, but since the burglary, my children are terrified to be inside. Their belongings were scattered, toys broken, even my daughter’s money box was smashed.”
Crime Spree Details: From Tool Thefts to Targeting the Elderly
- Smith kicked off his spree in May 2022 by burgling Buildbase in Epsom, stealing tools worth £4,400.
- He then stole a Peugeot 3008 outside a takeaway, and a VW van from a petrol station forecourt.
- He broke into the Co-Op on Chessington Road, cracking the safe and taking hundreds of pounds.
- In June, he followed a woman from Sainsbury’s, snatching her bag and causing £1,000 in losses. CCTV caught him using stolen cards shortly after.
- Smith didn’t stop there. He stole jewellery from an elderly woman’s home, carrying off a whole drawer stuffed with valuables worth around £4,000.
- He scammed an 83-year-old woman by faking gutter repairs, charging £135 for no work, then burgled her house via a window, stealing her purse.
- In September, he tricked a 90-year-old woman with claims of a rat problem, only to steal her wallet and purse, later using her cards six times.
- Additional offences included four more burglaries, three vehicle thefts, fraud, and stealing a pedal cycle.
Detective Commends Officers’ Tenacity
“Smith is a serial offender who escalated to targeted burglaries and fraud, primarily preying on elderly women,” said Detective Constable Sam Wightman. “He caused untold distress and cost victims thousands. Many units worked hard to gather evidence linking him to these offences, and now he’s exactly where he belongs – behind bars.”
