Burglar Jailed Thanks To Quick Action of Ash Resident

Published on: 24 Dec, 2024
Updated on: 24 Dec, 2024

A prolific burglar is now behind bars after a witness heard glass being smashed at a house in Ash and dialled 999.

Simon Knights, aged 48, from Croydon but living in West Sussex, was said to have carried out a string of offences across Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. He used the rail network to travel to and from offences across the South-East.

The house in Ash was close to the railway station. After the burglary, officers from British Transport Police were quick to spot a possible suspect near the station who was wearing black gloves and carrying a briefcase.

As they approached him, he ran away but they gave chase on foot, cornering him in a nearby housing estate and arresting him. He was found to be carrying a wallet with stolen documents and bank cards.

Working with other forces, West Surrey’s Proactive Investigation Team were able to link six offences of burglary to Knights before he then confessed to two more.

At Chichester Crown Court he was sentenced to three years and nine months for burglary and four counts of fraud by false representation.

Between May and September of 2024 Knights forced his way into homes in Uckfield, Dorking, Farnborough, Wokingham, Balcombe in West Sussex, and Ash.

He was caught by police on September 12 fleeing from the house near Ash Station after a witness heard breaking glass and called 999. Officers from British Transport Police saw him near the station and when he ran away they gave chase on foot cornering him in a nearby housing estate.

Once in custody, the team at Surrey Police were able to start linking other offences from across the South-East to Knights. Forensic evidence such as blood or DNA had been found at the scene and in some cases CCTV showed a suspect matching his description.

The court heard that Knights targeted homes by forcing back doors or going in through open windows. Once inside he would carry out an untidy search and pocket any cash, jewellery, bank cards or electrical goods, which could be easily carried. On some occasions, he used the stolen bank cards in nearby shops to buy alcohol and tobacco.

After he was charged with six offences, Knights admitted two more, both on London Road in Balcombe, West Sussex – one of which took place the day before he was arrested.

Sergeant Sarah Wentworth, from West Surrey’s Proactive Investigation Team, said: “Knights is a prolific burglar with no regard for anyone but himself.

“He roamed the South-East looking for opportunities to steal and by working across such a wide area he hoped to keep avoiding detection. His offending was continuous and I have no doubt he would still be breaking into homes regularly if we hadn’t located him.

“I hope his many victims feel safer this Christmas knowing he is now in prison.”