A burglar has been sentenced to one year and six months in prison after DNA evidence linked him to multiple break-ins in north Kent and Surrey.
Lorenc Stefanaj, 31, from Havelock Road, Luton, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday, 16 October, after pleading guilty to three burglaries. His arrest and conviction were secured after forensic evidence was found at the crime scenes, including DNA on broken glass and blood left behind during the burglaries.
Stefanaj first targeted a property in Wrotham Road, Meopham, on 29 December 2023. He gained entry by smashing a window and stole jewellery of considerable sentimental value. Forensic investigators later recovered DNA from Stefanaj on a piece of broken glass at the scene.
Between 3 and 10 January 2024, Stefanaj struck again, this time breaking into a property in Larks Field, Longfield, by forcing open a window. Although he left empty-handed, investigators found blood at the entry point, which matched Stefanaj’s DNA.
In another incident, between 2 and 4 February 2024, Stefanaj burgled a house in Banstead, Surrey, stealing jewellery after an untidy search of the property. Once again, his DNA was found at the scene.
Following his string of burglaries, investigators obtained CCTV images from one of the crime scenes, which helped identify Stefanaj. On 22 April, he was arrested in London after fleeing from police patrols and discarding a rucksack containing two screwdrivers.
Stefanaj was charged with three counts of burglary and was remanded in custody before his sentencing.
Detective Constable Dan Bister, the investigating officer, said: “Stefanaj burgled properties where the residents were absent and ruthlessly targeted jewellery. The loss of these sentimental items to the victims had a significant impact on them, and he should be thoroughly ashamed of his actions.
“He thought only of making a quick profit while selling people’s irreplaceable items. This man is a callous criminal and fully deserves his time in prison.”
The DNA evidence recovered at each scene proved crucial in bringing Stefanaj to justice, ensuring his conviction and imprisonment.
