A prolific burglar from Pitsea has been jailed for three years following a string of burglaries in the Basildon area. 

A number of properties, including a shop, were broken into in the Basildon and Pitsea areas between June 22 and July 11, as well as attempted burglaries at two other addresses. 

There was also a theft at Martin’s newsagent in Whitmore Way, Basildon. 

Carl Simmons, 36, of Little Searles, Pitsea was arrested in Chevers Pawn, Basildon on Saturday, July 15. 

His fingerprints or DNA were found at each address that had been targeted and he had been caught on CCTV during the theft at Martin’s. 

He was charged with five counts of burglary, two counts of attempted burglary, and one count of theft. 

At Basildon Crown Court on Friday, August 18 he admitted all the offences he had been charged with. 

At the same court today (Friday, September 22), he was jailed for three years. 

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Ian Patterson, said: “Carl Simmons is a prolific burglar who has little respect for other people’s property. 

“Burglaries are incredibly invasive and Simmons has violated the personal space of his victims. 

“He has at least admitted his crimes and I hope this sentence provides some solace to the people whose homes he targeted.”