Burglar Busted in Worthing After Daring Break-Ins
Lee Gibson, 38, has pleaded guilty to a string of burglaries in Worthing after being caught red-handed. The crook was arrested following a break-in at a Marine Parade home on April 20th, where he swiped an electric scooter, car keys, a wallet, and an iPad in the dead of night.
Police Dog Tracks Down Suspect
The homeowners never saw Gibson, so they couldn’t help with a description. Enter PC Ryan Ashworth and trusty Police Dog Cara. The duo tracked Gibson from the crime scene all the way to Montague Street, where officers challenged him. Gibson made a quick escape on a bike, but the cops weren’t fooled.
PC Ashworth spotted an electric scooter matching the stolen one stashed nearby in a deserted building.
Manhunt Ends with Fiery Arrest
Gibson stayed on the run, forcing police and CCTV operators to launch a full search. They finally found him hiding in a stairwell on Augusta Place. When arrested, Gibson turned nasty — resisting arrest and hurling abuse at officers.
He was charged with burglary and assaulting a police officer. All stolen goods were recovered, and Gibson was locked up to keep him off the streets.
Mystery Burglar Linked to Multiple Pubs and Cafes
Police investigations tied Gibson to more break-ins, including the Cock’s Kitchen Café on Brighton Road, The Cricketers Inn in Broadwater, and The Park View pub in Salvington Road.
On April 21st, Gibson appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court. He admitted guilt on all counts and was remanded ahead of sentencing on May 19th.
Detectives Hail Team Effort
Detective Sergeant Phil Weston-Smith praised the officers and forensic teams for their hard work. He singled out Detective Sergeant Gary Jacobs and Detective Constable Matt Watson for going the extra mile in building a rock-solid case for the Crown Prosecution Service.
“This careful police work ensures Gibson will be held accountable and protects the local business community from further harm. The case now moves to magistrates for sentencing,” Weston-Smith said.
