A career burglar who wreaked havoc across Brighton has finally admitted guilt after a series of break-ins, thefts, and even a stolen car escapade that stretched over two years.
Craig Knight, 34, of no fixed address, was caught time and again targeting homes, shops, and vehicles, but now faces a long spell behind bars after pleading guilty to every charge laid against him. He is due to be sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 14 October.
Knight’s luck began to run out as far back as January 2023, when he was spotted acting suspiciously in a car park in Chapel Street. A van alarm went off, and security detained him until police arrived. Officers discovered a knife, cannabis, and stolen goods from a tattoo shop burglary. They even found dog treats matching those taken from the shop—an odd choice of loot for a thief. CCTV then linked him to damage at a nearby florist, leaving investigators with a clear trail of evidence.
Although he was recalled to prison for breaching licence conditions, Knight’s offending didn’t stop there. By June 2025, he was facing new charges including burglary, attempted burglary, and carrying a knife.
Then, in July, his crime spree escalated dramatically. A Clifton Hill resident awoke to find Knight in the hallway. The intruder bolted after the alarm sounded, but not before stealing valuables and the homeowner’s car. Police later tracked him to Lewes, where he was arrested returning to the stolen vehicle with shopping bags in hand.
Even that wasn’t enough to deter him. Just weeks later, between 8 and 13 August, Knight struck again—burgling an outbuilding in Pelham Street, stealing from a supermarket in St James’s Street (assaulting staff on the way out), attempting to break into a home in Farm Hill, and rifling through a vehicle in Portslade. CCTV and forensic evidence sealed his fate, and police arrested him yet again.
Altogether, Knight admitted to a staggering list of crimes: two counts of burglary, burglary other than a dwelling, theft of a vehicle, theft from a vehicle, assault, theft from a shop, possession of a knife, and possession of drugs. On top of that, eight more offences from August will be formally considered by the judge.
Detective Constable James Botting said Knight’s actions caused lasting distress to both businesses and residents:
“Knight was comfortable taking what was not his, repeatedly targeting different homes and small businesses in Brighton. His actions have had a significant impact on people’s lives, not only through the loss of their property but also the distress and disruption caused. We are pleased that following the overwhelming evidence against him, he has admitted his crimes, and we hope this brings some reassurance to the victims and the wider community.”
For many Brighton residents, Knight’s name has become synonymous with disruption and repeat offending. Now, with his guilty pleas secured and sentencing looming, victims may finally find closure after years of his criminal antics.
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