Burglar from Reading jailed for thefts in Basingstoke area

A burglar has been jailed for four years after he stole items from homes in Basingstoke and Overton.

John Shrubshall, 47, of Moriston Close, Reading, gained access to a property on Old Kempshott Lane on 2 June and stole a bag which contained fishing equipment.

He was arrested at the scene and was in possession of screwdrivers, gloves, a snood and a torch. All items were seized.

Winchester Crown Court also heard that Shrubshall stole jewellery and cash after gaining access to a property on Waltham Road in Overton on 11 March.

He was later seen on CCTV driving an Audi which had been stolen from Basingstoke train station between 8 March and 9 March.

Shrubshall was charged with:

Burglary dwelling – with intent to steal

Burglary dwelling and theft – no violence

Going equipped for theft

Driving a vehicle which had been taken without the owner’s consent

He pleaded guilty and was jailed for four years at Winchester Crown Court on Friday 4 July.

PC Iva Yotova, from the Northern Area Crime Team, said: “Burglary is one of the most intrusive crimes. It can have untold, long-lasting impacts on the victims and no one should have to feel unsafe in their own home.

“I am pleased that we are now in a position whereby Shrubshall will now be behind bars for a significant period of time.

“We hope that this result highlights that we will do what we can to secure justice against those seeking to cause harm in our local communities.

“This sentence should send out a strong message to would-be opportunists. We will find you, we will put you in front of the courts and you will have to face justice, and the consequences, of your actions.”