A man from Portsmouth has been charged in connection with two separate burglaries that took place in mid‑June, Hampshire police have confirmed.
Charges linked to incidents on June 12 and June 17
Officers investigating an entry at a property on Catherington Lane, Horndean on 12 June have charged Andrew Smith with two counts of burglary and theft. A further offence relates to a break‑in in Swanwick near Fareham on 17 June. In both incidents the victims reported the theft of jewellery and cash.
The 40‑year‑old, who gives his address as Walmer Road in Portsmouth, has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on 17 August.
Other police activity in the Horndean area
Separately, officers say they executed a warrant on Merchistoun Road, Horndean on 17 July, seizing drugs and items associated with drug supply. The force has also noted that a local 34‑year‑old was arrested in connection with that operation and subsequently released while enquiries continue.
- Suspect charged: Andrew Smith, 40, of Walmer Road, Portsmouth
- Allegations: two counts of burglary and theft
- Incidents: Catherington Lane (12 June) and Swanwick (17 June)
- Court date: Portsmouth Crown Court, 17 August
The charged man remains in custody pending his court appearance. The information released by police does not indicate any link between the burglary investigations and the later drugs warrant other than geographic proximity in East Hampshire.
| Date | Location | Reported loss / action |
|---|---|---|
| 12 June | Catherington Lane, Horndean | Jewellery and cash stolen; linked burglary charge |
| 17 June | Swanwick (near Fareham) | Jewellery and cash stolen; linked burglary charge |
| 17 July | Merchistoun Road, Horndean | Drugs and paraphernalia seized; one arrested, later released |
What residents should know
Burglary remains a priority for local policing teams. Anyone with information about the June break‑ins, or who may have seen suspicious behaviour around Catherington Lane, Swanwick or Merchistoun Road around the dates given, is asked to contact Hampshire Constabulary. If you wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers provides an alternative route for reporting.
For victims of the incidents, police and local victim support services can offer guidance on next steps, including taking inventories of stolen property and applying for property‑marking to assist future investigations.
Further developments, court outcomes and any additional charges will be reported as they are confirmed by the force and the courts service.
