Career Criminal Jailed for String of Burglaries and Car Theft in Portsmouth and Waterlooville
Christian Eigenberger, 53, a drifter with no fixed address, was locked up for two years and four months at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday, 18 November. The sentence followed a spree of crimes across Portsmouth, Waterlooville, Havant, and nearby areas — all carried out on 20 September and one on 30 September.
Spree of Burglaries and Theft
Eigenberger’s chaotic crime run included:
- Burglary at a house on Cosham Park Avenue, Portsmouth, where keys were stolen.
- Stealing a Jaguar on the same street without the owner’s consent.
- Attempted break-ins at Premier Stores, Hambledon Road, Waterlooville, and Spar on Catherington Lane, Waterlooville.
- Multiple pub raids: The Hampshire Hog, Waterlooville, and The Red Lion, Chalton, where money, alcohol, food, and drink were taken.
- Subway on London Road, Waterlooville, was hit for £130 cash.
- Debretts on Frogmore Lane, Waterlooville, also fell victim to a burglary.
- A final break-in at The Swallow pub in Dunsbury Way, Havant, netting food and alcohol.
Justice Served with Added Penalties
Besides the prison term, Eigenberger must pay an £187 surcharge to fund victim services, helping those hit hardest by his crime spree.
Police Warn Against Burglary’s Ripple Effects
Police Constable Kirsty Watts from Hampshire’s Operation Hawk burglary taskforce said:
“Eigenberger stole a car in Portsmouth and used it to target businesses across Havant and Waterlooville. Thankfully, the vehicle was recovered, but this doesn’t erase the stress and trauma felt by victims of these break-ins.”
“Business burglaries hit not just the owners but the whole community when local shops and pubs are disrupted.”
“I hope this sentence shows we won’t tolerate these crimes and are determined to catch and punish offenders.”
