Prolific burglar sentenced following crime spree across Cheltenham

A prolific burglar has been jailed following a crime spree targeting properties across Cheltenham.

Jason Potter, aged 34 and formerly of Winchcombe Street in Cheltenham, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday 13 May where he was sentenced to six years in prison.

He had previously been convicted of eight counts of residential burglary, one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, one count of assaulting an emergency worker and one count of criminal damage.

Potter had been investigated by officers following a series of burglaries which took place across Cheltenham between 2021 and 2024.

CCTV captured from the properties showed Potter arriving on his moped, attempting to avoid cameras and then entering and burgling the addresses before riding away.

He was linked to the burglaries after being recognised by officers who viewed the CCTV and it was established that the same moped, which belonged to Potter, had been used to travel to the properties when committing the offences.

Potter tended to wear the same pair of navy Adidas trainers, motorbike helmet and Puma rucksack when committing burglaries.

The clothing items were seized from Potter's address following his arrest and this helped to prove that he was the suspect for the crime spree.

On several occasions he left addresses with items such as jewellery, bikes and money after committing the burglaries.

One of the victim’s contacted police after seeing a Facebook post from the Constabulary which showed images of items which had been seized and were believed to have been stolen.

One of these items was a blue Pinnacle branded bicycle which the victim saw and immediately believed to be his. The bike had been seized months earlier after it was found locked to railings outside Potter’s address and was later returned to the owner.

Victim Impact statements which were gained as part of the investigation detailed the impact of Potter's offending with one person saying: "For the first few nights, I was not sleeping well at all. I also found that every time I would go out and be ready to return home, I would be terrified that someone would be in the house when I opened the door. I then found that I was almost in a siege-mentality and hiding away inside."

Another person said: "I have not slept properly since this incident. It is pitch black where I live, and I do wonder that if this burglar can get here and nearly break in - who else can?

"I was really lucky and grateful that my neighbour interrupted this burglar, otherwise I would be in even more of a state than I am now."

Investigating officer PC Hancock said: "Potter's offending caused havoc for the residents of Cheltenham and we know all too well the impact that being burgled can have which is why we were committed to getting justice for the people he targeted.

"I hope that Potter being jailed will bring closure to those affected by these terrible crimes and show the public how seriously we treat burglaries." 

Jason Potter

A CCTV still of Potter outside one of the addresses he burgled

An image showing Potter wearing the trainers and rucksack while riding the moped which identified him as the suspect