Serial Burglar Lee Palmer Slapped with 38-Month Jail Term
Lee Robert Palmer, 40, from Gosport Road, Fareham, has been locked up for 38 months after admitting multiple crimes, including burglary. Palmer faced Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday 14 July, where he pleaded guilty to stealing a BMW, vehicle theft, stealing number plates, and burglary.
Two other charges—bicycle theft and possession of burglary tools—were dropped after his guilty pleas.
Bold Burglary Caught on Dash Cam
Police nabbed Palmer after linking him to a burglary on Gudge Heath Lane. Earlier that morning, he snatched keys from a woman at the Avalon Health Centre car park, then made off in her silver BMW 3 Series. Dash-cam footage showed the car parked outside the burglary scene, while witnesses spotted Palmer sneaking away with a blue holdall before driving off.
Officers later recovered stolen electrical items including laptops and tablets.
Number Plates Swapped, DNA Seals the Deal
Palmer didn’t stop there. He pinched number plates from another BMW and slapped them on the stolen vehicle to try throwing the cops off his trail.
The next day, a PCSO on patrol spotted the BMW with fake plates. Palmer was arrested nearby. Police gathered more evidence, including DNA and footprints from the scene, cementing the case against him.
Police Praise Tough Sentence
“This sentence shows how seriously the courts view residential burglary offences and the impact that this crime can have on victims,”
said investigating officer PC Matthew Gorman.
“Palmer showed utter disregard for each victim. I hope this conviction gives them some closure.”
Lee Palmer’s jail time sends a strong message: crime doesn’t pay, especially when you’re caught red-handed.
