Prolific burglar behind bars after latest crime spree

A prolific burglar who raided businesses including cafes, a restaurant, a convenience store and a hairdresser has been convicted in court.

Fardin Farji was sentenced to 23 months and two weeks’ imprisonment at Lewes Crown Court on 25 August following his latest crime spree in Worthing.

The 30-year-old, of no fixed address, had been given a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order in August 2021 in response to his persistent offending.

But he repeatedly breached the conditions of the order, which was designed to protect the community and prevent him from committing further offences.

Farji was arrested in June after Worthing CID gathered evidence and presented it to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the following charges:

- Breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order in Worthing town centre on 25 February, 2023;

- Breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order in Worthing town centre on 12 March, 2023;

- Theft of a bicycle at Sainsbury’s, Lyons Farm, on 30 March, 2023;

- Burglary at Freshair, Downland Parade, on 20-21 April, 2023;

- Attempt burglary at Quickstop, Railway Approach, on 22-23 April, 2023;

- Burglary at Crabshack, Marine Parade, on 26 April, 2023;

- Attempt burglary at The Malt Café, Montague Street, on 27 April, 2023;

- Burglary at The Coffee House, Liverpool Road, on 29 April, 2023;

- Interfering with a vehicle in Heene Road on 12 November, 2022;

- Handling of stolen goods in Howard Street on 20 October, 2022;

- Fraud by false representation in Howard Street on 20 October, 2022;

- Breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order in Worthing town centre on 7 March, 2023.

Inspector Sharon Sawyer, of the Adur, Worthing and Horsham Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I am glad the court has seen fit to impose a substantial custodial sentence here.

“The impact felt by small businesses has been significant and as a local team – through PCSOs’ identification and concerted effort across various teams at Worthing – he was arrested, remanded and subsequently convicted, making the community safer.”