A 33-year-old man from Polegate has received a three-year prison sentence following a series of break-ins at residential properties in the Eastbourne area.

Steven Stacey, from Southfield, appeared at Lewes Crown Court on August 10 where the sentence was imposed for offences committed between March 17 and April 29.

Investigating officers established that Stacey gained entry to six dwellings during this period, with a further property targeted unsuccessfully.

His initial detention occurred on April 14 in relation to two completed burglaries and one attempted entry committed between March 17 and April 10.

Officers examining the crimes determined that Stacey typically approached properties and knocked on exterior doors to establish whether occupants were present.

Upon confirming residences were unoccupied, he would force entry through rear doors or windows and remove belongings.

During questioning by detectives, Stacey stated that he had discovered rear access points already damaged and had entered properties purely out of curiosity as an explorer of urban environments.

He was subsequently charged with two burglary offences and one attempted burglary charge on April 15.

Following a court appearance at Brighton Magistrates’ Court the following day, bail was granted.

Despite being on bail, Stacey allegedly continued his offending behaviour from April 22, targeting an additional four residences within the space of a week.

He was apprehended again on April 30 and faced additional charges comprising four further burglary counts alongside possession of a class B controlled substance.

Stacey was brought before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on May 1 and was held in custody pending further proceedings.

He entered guilty pleas to all matters at Lewes Crown Court, resulting in the three-year custodial sentence on August 10.

Detective Sergeant Jake O’Reilly commented that those affected by such offences frequently experience consequences extending well beyond any financial loss, with psychological effects persisting long after incidents occur.

He emphasised that Sussex Police remains committed to examining every reported burglary thoroughly, pursuing all viable investigative avenues to ensure those responsible are held answerable for their actions and that justice is secured for victims.