Two London men jailed following thefts in Sussex

Two London men who stole designer jewellery, antiques, and high value electronic items across Sussex have been jailed.

Lee Ash, 40, and Reginald Hill, 45, appeared before Lewes Crown Court on 25 October and were each sentenced to six years imprisonment after pleading guilty to six counts of burglary at an earlier hearing.

Lee Ash, 40, of Sydenham Hill, London

The court heard that on 18 September, Ash, of Sydenham Hill, and Hill, of Grove Park, broke into a property in Stoughton, and stole jewellery and a car key.

Later that day, the pair forced entry into two properties in nearby Bosham and stole jewellery, silver items, a TV, and an Apple Mac and Apple products.

Further reports were received of break-ins and burglaries at addresses in West Dean, Bosham, and Hooe, with items of silver, jewellery, Rolex watches, and antiques clocks stolen.

Reginald Hill, 45, of Grove Park, London 

Ash and Hill were both arrested on 19 September when they were stopped by officers in Kent. A search of their vehicle uncovered multiple valuable items, identified as those stolen in Sussex.

They were charged with three counts of burglary and remanded in custody before appearing at court on the 24 October, where a further three counts of burglary were added to the indictment.

Detective Constable Gaye Moore, of the criminal investigation team said: “This is a great result following brilliant partnership policing and investigative work and we are pleased to see this pair brought to justice.

“This sentence should act as a warning to anyone in or outside of Sussex thinking about stealing from our communities – you will be caught and dealt with.”