Burglar Jailed for Four Years After Targeting Homes in Basingstoke and Overton

A man who burgled homes in Basingstoke and Overton has been jailed for four years following a series of offences earlier this year.

John Shrubshall, 47, of Moriston Close in Reading, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Friday 4 July after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including burglary and vehicle theft.

On 2 June, Shrubshall broke into a property on Old Kempshott Lane in Basingstoke, stealing a bag containing fishing equipment. He was arrested at the scene, where officers found him in possession of screwdrivers, gloves, a snood and a torch—items commonly used in burglaries.

The court also heard how, on 11 March, Shrubshall forced entry into a home on Waltham Road in Overton, making off with jewellery and cash. He was later identified on CCTV footage driving an Audi stolen from Basingstoke train station between 8 and 9 March.

Shrubshall was charged with:

• Burglary dwelling – with intent to steal
• Burglary dwelling and theft – no violence
• Going equipped for theft
• Driving a vehicle taken without the owner’s consent

He pleaded guilty to all offences and was handed a four-year prison sentence.

Speaking after the sentencing, PC Iva Yotova from the Northern Area Crime Team said:

“Burglary is one of the most intrusive crimes. It can have untold, long-lasting impacts on the victims and no one should have to feel unsafe in their own home.”

“We hope this result highlights our commitment to bringing offenders to justice. This sentence sends a strong message—if you target our communities, we will find you, we will put you before the courts, and you will face the consequences.”

The case marks a significant result for police efforts in tackling burglary across Hampshire, with officers urging residents to continue reporting suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods.