Chester man behind bars for string of burglaries

A man is facing almost four years behind bars for a string of burglary offences in the Chester area.

Krzysztof Karszewski, of Newry Park, Chester, appeared in Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 26 September where he was jailed for 45 months.

The 38-year-old previously pleaded guilty to 13 charges, including burglary, attempted burglary, vehicle interference, theft from a motor vehicle, burglary from a shed, and possession of a class B drug.

The spate of offences took place in the Hoole and Newton areas of Chester and began in July 2023.

A burglary was first reported at an address in Tomkinson Street, believed to have taken place between 20 and 23 July while the occupants were on holiday. Bottles of alcohol were stolen, as well as a set of car keys, two jackets, and a watch.

The same address was subject to an attempted burglary and vehicle interference on 29 July where CCTV footage showed a man trying the door handle of the property and the door handle of a car.

On this date another property on the street was burgled. The occupant returned home to find a man inside the house before he fled. Approximately £1,000 worth of jewellery was stolen – it was recovered the following day nearby.

Also on 29 July, there were reports of two attempted burglaries and one incident of vehicle interference in West Street, where the same man was spotted on CCTV and video doorbell footage trying the door handles to the properties and the vehicle. He was noticeable because of his distinctive clothing featuring a white emblem.

The following day, on 30 July, a bag containing clothes was stolen from a motor vehicle in Gonsley Close.

Karszewski was identified by officers watching the CCTV footage of some of the recent incidents and was subsequently arrested. The clothes the man was wearing in the footage were found at his address, as well as the bottles of alcohol and the watch stolen in the first burglary, and the bag stolen from the car in Gonsley Close. A quantity of amphetamine was also seized.

As a result of enquiries, Karszewski was charged with nine offences. During the course of the investigation, more offences were uncovered.

This included further incidents on Gonsley Close, including two thefts from motor vehicles, burglary, and theft of a bike from a shed. There was also an incident of theft from a motor vehicle on Phillips Street. These all took place around the same time as the previous reported incidents.

Following the sentencing, Police Constable James Wright of Chester Proactive Team said:

“I welcome the sentence handed to Karszewski, whose sentence reflects the severity of his crimes.

“He clearly showed no regard for his victims during his crime spree, targeting multiple residents in just a few days.

“Thankfully, as a result of evidence gathered by officers, Karszewski pleaded guilty to all charges and is now being held accountable for his actions.

“I hope this sentence provides some reassurance to the community.”