A prolific burglar has been jailed for more than four years after he admitted a string of break ins.
David Morten targeted a post office, Sports Direct and several shops in Harold Place, Hastings, in an eight-day spree.
Sussex Police said: “Morten, 42, of no fixed address, was sentenced last week to four years and three months in prison for his involvement in a series of business burglaries in Hastings.
“The offences were investigated as part of a series, following a number of reports of offences in Hastings town centre between Wednesday 8 April and Wednesday 15 April.
“Neighbourhood Policing Teams, alongside the East Sussex Burglary Team and CID, carried out fast-paced inquiries which led to Morten being identified, arrested and charged.
“Morten appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 16 April, where he pleaded guilty to 11 counts of burglary other than a dwelling, two counts of attempted burglary other than a dwelling and two counts of theft from a shop.”
He appeared at Brighton Crown Court on Tuesday 4 August where he was sentenced by Recorder Lorna Skinner.
Detective Sergeant Jake O’Reilly, from the East Sussex Burglary Team, said: “We understand the concern caused by business burglaries in Hastings town centre and want to reassure the community that we have taken robust action.
“Following a number of reports, officers carried out fast-paced I”nquiries which led to Morten being brought before the courts where he pleaded guilty.
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of the offending and the impact these offences can have on local businesses and the wider community.”
