Eastbourne Man Jailed After Targeting Vulnerable Victims In Burglary And Fraud Spree

A Horsham man who tricked pensioners and stole thousands of pounds worth of items across East Sussex has been jailed.

30-year-old William Jones carried out a string of burglaries, thefts and frauds over just three months – all while he was already on licence for similar crimes.

His offending began in February, when he broke into a garden in Eastbourne and stole around £500 worth of property. Days later he struck again in Heathfield, this time stealing £200 worth of items after smashing through a garden fence.

Later in March, Jones targeted a 75-year-old woman in Hailsham.

He posed as a gardener, earning her trust with a small job before persuading her to withdraw £1,000 in cash for work he never returned to complete.

In April, he was caught cold-calling homes in Polegate before breaking into a property and stealing money and jewellery. Just days later, he tricked a 75-year-old man in Heathfield by claiming to know his family – before stealing four legally owned shotguns from the home.

Police enquiries quickly identified Jones as the suspect, and he was arrested on 21 May.

He later admitted a catalogue of offences including burglary, theft, fraud, and driving without a licence or insurance.

At Lewes Crown Court, he was sentenced to two years and two months in prison and ordered to pay £228 in costs.