Burglar snared after leaving DNA on a rock used to smash into Romsey home – Hampshire Live

A burglar was snared by police after leaving DNA on a rock used to smash his way into one property and a fingerprint on a window at another.

Ian Masters, aged 33, broke his way into a house in Church Lane, Southampton, on November 13 last year, by prising open a bathroom window.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard Masters smashed a kitchen door using a brick, before smearing cheese across the kitchen and stealing a Nintendo Switch, bank letters, and a laptop.

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The items were not recovered.

But Hampshire Constabulary were able to link Masters to the crime after finding a fingerprint he left on the bathroom window.

Then, on December 16, a house in Brook Way, Romsey, was broken into while the occupants were out.

A glass pane on a kitchen door was smashed with a rock to gain entry.

A credit card, two debit cards, 45 worth of Icelandic currency, 30 in cash, two mobile phones and three gold rings, including a wedding ring were taken.

Again, the items were never recovered.

The owner later received a text from his bank to say the credit card was used six times to buy items worth 135.80, with one declined transaction of 21.

Police later discovered DNA left on the rock matched Masters while CCTV footage showed a man matching his description using the credit card.

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He was arrested days later on December 23 before being further arrested and charged in January.

Masters, who was serving at HMP Lewes when he appeared in court, has now been jailed for two years after pleading guilty to two counts of burglary and fraud by false representation.

Police Staff Investigator Sarah Stewart from Hampshire Constabulary, said: "Your home is somewhere you should feel safe which is why dwelling burglaries can be so traumatic for those affected, beyond the impact of the belongings that are stolen.

This sentence shows we will use all the tools at our disposal, including forensics, to bring offenders to justice and I hope it reassures our communities that we take burglary very seriously.

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Burglar snared after leaving DNA on a rock used to smash into Romsey home - Hampshire Live