Worthing burglar arrested after police dog search follows late-night break-in

According to Sussex Police, Lee Gibson, 38, of no fixed address, was arrested after he broke into a house, in Marine Parade – in the early hours of April 20 – and stole items, including an electric scooter, car keys, a wallet and an iPad.

“The occupants reported the incident to police but were unable to provide a description as they did not see the suspect,” a police spokesperson said. “Therefore, Dog Unit officer PC Ryan Ashworth was deployed along with police dog Cara.

“She tracked from the scene to Montague Street, where the suspect was found. He was challenged but made off on a bicycle.”

Meanwhile, PC Ashworth noticed an electric scooter matching the description of the one stolen in an encampment in the doorway of a disused building nearby.

He continued to search for Gibson – assisted by CCTV operators – while other officers remained with the stolen property, and Gibson was eventually found hiding in a stairwell in Augusta Place.

The police spokesperson added: “During his arrest, he resisted officers and was abusive and threatening towards them. He was subsequently arrested for burglary and assaulting a police officer.

“The items he stole were recovered and Gibson was remanded in custody to prevent further offending.”

In the meantime, detectives were able to charge Gibson with ‘numerous other offences he was linked to’:

- Police said he was charged with burglary at Cock’s Kitchen Café in Brighton Road on September, 7, 2022, after his DNA was found on a bottle of beer left at the scene;

- He was further charged with burglary at The Cricketers Inn, in Broadwater, on April 19 this year after he was identified on CCTV, police said;

- Police said he was also charged with burglary at The Park View pub in Salvington Road on March 31 this year after again being identified on CCTV.

Gibson appeared before Crawley Magistrates’ Court on April 21, ‘where he pleaded guilty to all offences’, police said. He was further remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on May 19.

Detective Sergeant Phil Weston-Smith, of CID, said: “A considerable amount of work went into securing these charges against Gibson to ensure he can be held accountable for his actions and to protect the local business community from further harm.

“I’d like to praise the numerous officers involved in responding to these incidents, including the work of our forensic investigators who gathered valuable evidence.

"I’d also like to single out Detective Sergeant Gary Jacobs and Detective Constable Matt Watson, who went above and beyond to build a file to present to the Crown Prosecution Service when time was of the essence. The case will now be heard before magistrates for sentencing.”

Have you read?: Worthing council 'very disappointed' after high-tech street hub smashed

Dozens of fish found dead in Worthing's Brooklands Park: Everything we know so far

Vehicles obstruct workmen in Worthing - giving council two options