A children’s hospice has praised neighbourhood policing officers after a prolific burglar who targeted one of its charity shops – along with a string of other local businesses – was brought to justice.
Luke Harvey, 32, of no fixed address, committed a series of break-ins across the Harwich area in February and March this year. His targets included restaurants, hair salons, florists, and an East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) charity shop.
Cash, products and, on several occasions, entire tills were stolen, while significant damage was caused to many of the premises.
Following a thorough investigation by Essex Police’s Tendring Neighbourhood Policing Team, officers gathered DNA evidence, CCTV footage and witness statements linking Harvey to seven separate burglaries.
He was arrested on 18 March at an address in Harwich, where officers recovered stolen goods including a computer monitor, clothing, and a small sum of cash. While in custody, Harvey made admissions linking himself to at least one of the offences.
Confronted with the weight of evidence, Harvey pleaded guilty to all seven burglary charges.
Appearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday 7 August, he was sentenced to a total of two years and 11 months in prison – with five months imposed for each offence, to be served consecutively. He was also handed a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from entering Harwich and Dovercourt.
An EACH spokesperson said:
“Suffice to say, we were very sad and extremely disappointed to be the victims of this break-in. Our retail operation is a vital source of income and helps us provide the best possible care and support to children and families across the region. This year alone, we need to raise £9.8 million from our shop and online sales, and just 15% of our total income comes from the government, county councils and the NHS. Incidents of this nature are therefore disheartening, but we are grateful for the swift action and co-operation of Essex Police.”
Essex Police says incidents of business burglary in the area have almost halved in the past year, with 87 fewer incidents recorded – a 46% drop year-on-year.
PC Daniel Bush, the investigating officer, said:
“Throughout this investigation, we were well aware of the immeasurable impact on our hard-working businesses. Some were targeted more than once, and some even struggled to resume trading after suffering these break-ins.
“This is unacceptable to me personally and to all of our team. Our priority is to work with local businesses and build solid cases against those who think they can get away with offences like burglary.
“Alongside the prison sentence, Harvey’s Criminal Behaviour Order is a crucial tool for us to help deter repeat incidents. It should keep him away from the area he has harmed so much – and if he breaches it, we will act quickly and robustly.”
