Homeless Burglar Caught After Raiding Charity Shops Across Hampshire
Christopher Paul Rees, 43, with no fixed address, pleaded guilty to six burglaries at Portsmouth Crown Court on Monday 20 December. The crimes targeted five charity shops and a hair salon between 11 and 19 December last year.
Charity Shops Hit Hard Over Busy Week
- Between 11-12 December, Rees broke into St Winifreds Hospice Charity Shop in Seaford, Sussex, stealing £253 cash.
- On 16-17 December, Barnados and British Heart Foundation shops in Cosham were both broken into – but nothing was stolen.
- That same night, the Headway Brain Injury Charity Shop (Cosham) was burgled, with £500 taken.
- Between 18-19 December, Age UK Charity Shop in Petersfield lost £53 after a break-in.
- Also on the 18-19, Lisa Edwards Hairdressing salon in Petersfield had £400 stolen.
Police Nab Burglary Suspect Using CCTV and Forensics
Police linked Rees to all six break-ins through mobile phone records, CCTV footage, and forensic evidence following a detailed investigation.
“Any crime of burglary is despicable and has a lasting impact,” said PC Dave Rowe, lead investigator. “To target charity shops and local businesses is particularly abhorrent. Rees committed his crimes during Covid-19 uncertainty, adding stress to struggling businesses. We are pleased he will now face justice. This sentence sends a clear message that such crimes won’t be tolerated.”
