Jason Brown, 53, a habitual burglar, has been sentenced to five years in prison following his involvement in three burglaries across Gloucestershire. Despite his defiant challenge to police officers to “prove it” during an interview, overwhelming CCTV and forensic evidence confirmed his guilt.
Brown’s criminal activities began on November 2, 2025, when he broke into a home in Abbeydale, Gloucester. While the homeowner was away on a walking holiday to cope with his wife’s recent passing, Brown smashed through a conservatory and stole a valuable camera, a car, and priceless sentimental jewellery belonging to the victim’s late wife. The car was later found abandoned about half a mile from the property. DNA evidence collected at the scene linked Brown to the crime.
The victim expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating: “After my wife’s passing, our children and I had planned to decide which keepsakes to keep in the new year. Now, those cherished memories are gone, stolen along with items that held physical connection to her.”
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On November 16, Brown was captured on CCTV attempting to break into a garden shed in Brookthorpe, near Gloucester. He entered the home, stealing cash, golf clubs, and credit cards. Police identified Brown when his face covering slipped. DNA from a shovel he used further tied him to the burglary.
The victim of this second crime shared the emotional toll: “The anxiety and anger have been overwhelming. Having my home violated and possessions taken by someone so brazen led me to a depression I had never felt before.”
The third burglary occurred on November 30 in Matson, close to Brown’s own residence. Police believe he gained entry through a large dog flap while the occupants slept. CCTV footage showed Brown inside the kitchen wearing a dressing gown and slippers, stealing Christmas presents while a resident rested nearby. Police identified him from these images.
One victim stated: “Your decision to creep through my home while I slept, stealing presents meant for loved ones, has instilled fear and broken the sense of safety in our community.”
After evading arrest for a week, Brown voluntarily surrendered to police on December 8. Except for telling an officer to “prove it,” he declined to comment during interviews. Charged with three counts of burglary, he pled guilty at Gloucester Crown Court on December 20.
In mitigation, Brown’s barrister cited his struggle with long-term substance misuse and revealed he was under the influence of drugs during the offences. Brown had a history of dwelling burglaries and was on licence when these crimes occurred.
Judge Recorder Mawhinney described the burglaries as involving medium culpability with minor planning. He noted the particular trauma caused to the third victim, who was asleep during the intrusion, commenting, “The terror they would have felt had they woken is unimaginable.” The judge acknowledged the significant psychological and emotional harm inflicted upon all victims.
Brown received a 30-month sentence for the first burglary and 15 months for the other two, all to run consecutively, totaling five years imprisonment.
PC Tim Burch of the Gloucester Neighbourhood Support Team condemned Brown’s actions as a serious threat to community safety: “Brown’s repeated disregard for others’ wellbeing has left a trail of fear and disruption. This sentence sends a strong message that persistent burglary will not be tolerated. I thank the victims for their courage in attending sentencing and sharing their impact statements.”