Burglars Nabbed Just 150 Metres from Crime Scene
Two notorious burglars have been locked up for 20 months after being caught just 150 metres from a house they’d broken into. The duo were linked to a string of thefts across Redbridge in a swift police operation.
Quick-Thinking Cops Trap Thieves
On the evening of Sunday, December 15, 2024, officers rushed to a reported break-in on Mansted Gardens, Chadwell Heath. Within half an hour, police blocked all escape routes, forcing the suspects to run on foot towards the High Road.
After a tense foot chase, both men were tackled and arrested on the spot.
Stolen Loot Found on Suspects
A search uncovered jewellery stolen in the burglary:
- Two gold rings
- Two gold bangles
- Three gold necklaces
Further investigations connected the pair to other break-ins, including another raid at Mansted Gardens where a safe containing £25,000 worth of gold and £3,000 cash was pinched.
Criminals Sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court
The offenders were named as:
- Geani Bogonos, 42, of Freshwell Avenue, Chadwell Heath
- Vasile Filip, 26, of Southend Road, East Ham
Both pleaded guilty at their first hearing and were sentenced on Monday, February 3, 2025. Bogonos was found guilty of two burglaries plus three other offences. Filip was convicted of one burglary with three additional offences taken into account. All crimes happened between October and November 2024 in Redbridge.
Police Hail Swift Justice
“Burglaries are a huge intrusion of privacy and have a lasting impact on communities. Our officers responded quickly and bravely to track, chase, and detain the suspects,” said PC David Izard, lead investigator.
“Our thorough investigation revealed Bogonos and Filip as serial offenders who are now off the streets.”
Met Police Step Up Patrols to Stop Break-Ins
The Metropolitan Police continue to patrol burglary hotspots in Redbridge, maintaining a high-visibility presence and offering crime prevention advice to residents.
Anyone suspicious of unusual activity or concerned about burglaries is urged to contact their local policing team or visit the Metropolitan Police website for help and information.
