Police have charged 56-year-old Albert Ian James of Mill Road Crescent, Donnington, Chichester, West Sussex with 51 counts of burglary. The charge relates to 24 burglaries in the Waterlooville, Fareham and Portsmouth areas of Hampshire and 27 burglaries in Sussex and follows a joint investigation between Hampshire Constabulary and Sussex Police. Of these charges 14 relate to a series of burglaries in Cowplain, Horndean and Clanfield in November last year.
Inspector Dave Humphries who is responsible for policing in Waterlooville, Horndean & Clanfied said “This represents the culmination of a lot of hard work by many officers. Whilst the public may have heard a lot from the neighbourhood team delivering crime prevention and reassurance messages there was also a lot of work going on in the background to catch this individual that we were unable to publicise. At the height of the series we had a lot of plain clothed officers working in the area at weekends who were brought in to support our local officers.”
“Since the arrest of Mr James we have had very little in the way of burglaries in the area however I would still urge residents to take basic precautions and make themselves less likely to become burglary victims. Ensure doors and windows are locked and if out after dark leave lights on. Many premises are targeted early evening just after sunset and before people get home from work as those with no lights on are obviously empty. Fit a timer switch to a lamp to protect against this. Jewellery is often targeted and often very easy to find in houses. Make sure it is kept somewhere secure and it helps us no end if victims can provide photographs of their jewellery. Often people don’t think to proactively photograph their possessions.”
Albert James is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on Thursday, March 12.
Inspector Dave Humphries
This is a great good news story and I know has been a major concern for many households. Please feel free to give some feedback to the Police by commenting on this article. Guy.
horndeanmatters 
why cant we have a photo pre warned is pre armed
Hi Vivien, I did Google search him online and found some references to the charge but no photos. I wonder if that happens on conviction? Guilty till proven innocent etc? Guy.
Thanks for this article, Guy. I work in the Security industry and it always pleases me when the public see what a great job the Police and security industry do. The low-life thieves have no idea what a terrible impact their break-ins have on people and I have witnessed many horror stories of personal belongings being taken, broken and children terrified to stay in their homes. Hope they lock him away and throw away the key. Keep up the great communications x
Hi Sandra, it was great news and your very positive feedback passed onto Insp H. Thanks, guy.
Well done to the police.These people cause a lot of stress to law abiding citizens.