Two men jailed for more than eight years after burglary spree in New Forest
Two men have been jailed for a combined total of eight years and nine months after carrying out a string of burglary and theft offences in New Forest.
Terrance Bryant, 41, of no fixed abode and based in the New Forest, was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment. Luke Christopher Smith, 36, of Lagland Street, Poole, Dorset, was jailed for two years and nine months.
The pair were sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on Monday 23 February.
The court heard that Bryant and Smith committed the offences within the space of an hour in Lymington during the early hours of Tuesday 5 August 2025.
They first stole two BMX bicycles from a van parked on the High Street before attempting to break into a flat in St Thomas Street. After that, they tried unsuccessfully to force entry into a salon in Stanford Road, and Smith stole a camera from a car.
The pair then burgled a property in Tylers Close, stealing cash and bottles of gin before fleeing the area on the stolen bikes.
Police were called and officers located both men in Pennington, where they were found in possession of the stolen gin.
Bryant was charged with burglary, two counts of attempted burglary and theft from a motor vehicle. Smith faced the same charges, along with a further count of theft from a motor vehicle.
At previous court hearings, Smith admitted all of the offences. Bryant admitted the bike theft and one attempted burglary but denied the burglary and a second attempted burglary. He was subsequently tried at Southampton Crown Court and was found guilty of both offences by a jury on Wednesday 28 January.
Speaking after sentencing, Police Staff Investigator Stephen Hortin said: “I am so pleased and relieved for the victims in this case that Bryant and Smith have been placed behind bars, where they belong.
“They will both now have considerable time to consider what they did on the morning in question and the consequences of their actions.
“I hope that this outcome sends out a very clear message to other offenders who are considering similar activities.
“In short, we will do everything we can to find you and bring you before the courts, where you will ultimately have to face justice for your crimes.”
Anyone who has been a victim of crime is urged to report it by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency, or by reporting online via the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary website.
Terrance Bryant, 41
(Left)
Luke Christopher
Smith, 36 (Right)
