Drained Charity Shops Struck by Burglar Who Stole Hundreds in Cash
Christopher Paul Rees, 43, a drifter with no fixed address, admitted to six burglaries at Portsmouth Crown Court yesterday. The offences targeted five charity shops and one hair salon between December 11 and 19, 2020.
Six Break-Ins Over Nine Days
- Dec 11-12: St Winifreds Hospice Charity Shop in Seaford, Sussex – £253 stolen.
- Dec 16-17: Barnados and British Heart Foundation shops in Cosham – broken into but nothing stolen.
- Same night: Headway Brain Injury Charity Shop in Cosham – £500 stolen.
- Dec 18-19: Age UK Charity Shop in Petersfield – £53 stolen.
- Same night: Lisa Edwards Hairdressing salon in Petersfield – £400 stolen.
Caught Red-Handed Through CCTV and Forensics
Rees was caught after police tied him to all six break-ins using CCTV, forensic evidence, and mobile phone data. Detective PC Dave Rowe slammed the crimes, calling burglary “despicable” and shocking given the victims were vulnerable charities and small businesses.
“Rees committed his crimes during a tough time under Covid-19 Tier restrictions, causing even more hardship for local businesses,” said PC Rowe.
“We hope this sentence sends a clear message: burglary, especially targeting charities, will not be tolerated.”
Police Warn: Crime Against Charities Won’t Be Overlooked
Police vowed to continue hunting down offenders who prey on local shops and charities, promising thorough investigations and swift justice. Rees now faces the consequences for his crime spree that shook communities during an already difficult period.
