A man who stole almost £30,000 in a series of home burglaries - including one in Bishop's Waltham - has been jailed.

Andrew Donoghue, 41, broke into seven properties between April 24 and May 17 this year and stole around £28,500 in property, which included jewellery, watches, gift vouchers and computer equipment.

Following the spate of “brazen” thefts, officers from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Northern Area Crime Team launched an investigation which led to Donoghue being arrested.

The 41-year-old was later charged with six counts of burglary dwelling and theft, one count of burglary dwelling – with intent to steal and one count of attempted burglary dwelling with intent to steal.

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He pleaded guilty to all offences and was jailed for a total of five years at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, August 2.

The court heard that:

  • On May 17, Donoghue entered two properties on Bernard Avenue, Four Marks, and stole jewellery. 
  • On May 17, Donoghue entered a property on Blackberry Lane, Four Marks, and stole gift vouchers, a mobile phone and jewellery.
  • On May 17, Donoghue entered a property on Siskin Close, Bishop’s Waltham, and stole jewellery and watches.
  •  On May 17, Donoghue entered a property on Warnford Road, Corhampton, and stole jewellery.
  • On May 8, Donoghue entered a property on Sandy Lane, Colehill, Dorset, and stole jewellery.
  • On May 3, an attempt was made to enter a property on Woodfield Drive, Winchester. Nothing was reported stolen.
  • On April 24, Donoghue entered a property on Harewood Avenue, Bournemouth, and stole jewellery, cameras, computer equipment and gold and silver coins.

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Detective Sergeant Adam Knight, of the Northern Area Crime Team, said: “Andrew Donoghue’s crime spree was targeted and brazen and I would like to thank the officers and staff who worked hard to gather the evidence against him.

“Breaking into someone’s home and stealing their property is an intrusive crime which causes immeasurable distress to its victims, and we do not underestimate the impact that this has on those who are affected.

“We work really hard to ensure that those who commit these crimes face the consequences of their actions. I hope that this result helps the victims of these burglaries to move forward and we will continue doing everything we can to support those affected by burglary and bring offenders before the courts.”