Portsmouth burglar targeted elderly victim's homes in the Fareham area stealing jewellery at height of lockdown

Andrew Smith ‘deliberately targeted’ houses he thought would yield the greatest illicit reward and older residents, searching through their bedrooms.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard the 34-year-old sometimes sneaked through side doors when the occupants were in the garden, plundering engagement rings, a purse and a ‘significant amount of jewellery’.

Smith, who has been institutionalised since the age of 16, struck at seven homes between April 10 and 19 this year, just weeks into the initial strict Covid-19 lockdown.

One woman ‘had a complete meltdown and felt suicidal as a result of the burglary,’ her husband said in a statement. Their sons were left devastated and furious. One son posted on social media, prompting a big reaction that helped identify Smith.

Another victim said: ‘The theft of my very personal and sentimental items has robbed me of significant long-held parts of my life.’

She lost her engagement ring bought 56 years ago, a signet ring she received on her 21st birthday and her mother’s 22ct gold ring, prosecutor Pierce Power said.

Smith struck in St John's Road in Fareham on April 10, hours later burgling a home in Warsash Road, Locks Heath, the same day.

On April 12 he burgled a house in Alum Way, Portchester, and then in Brook Lane, Sarisbury Green.

Three other homes were targeted April 18-19, and Smith broke into a car stealing items from inside. Those four offences were taken into consideration.