Clumsy Burglars Busted by Their Own Screwdrivers
Two bungling burglars got caught red-handed—thanks to sharp police work, forensic science, and quick-thinking interpreters.
Brothers-in-Law Nabbed After Foiled Burglary Attempt
Gheorghe Serban, 33, from Addlestone, was slapped with 34 months behind bars and fined a victim surcharge. His brother-in-law, Iulian Toma, 43, from Crawley, narrowly avoided jail with a 21-month sentence suspended for two years. Toma must now stick to a strict curfew with electronic monitoring from 8pm to 5am.
Failing to Smoke Their Way Out of Trouble
On the evening of January 15, 2021, cops raced to Hampshire Court, Addlestone, after reports of two suspicious men caught lurking near someone’s home. Officers quickly captured Serban and Toma, who claimed they were just heading for cigarettes. But police found two screwdrivers lying nearby—tools the men denied owning.
House-to-house enquiries and CCTV footage shattered their cover story, clearly showing the duo trying to break into two properties on the street.
Forensics and Translations Seal the Deal
Forensic tests proved the screwdrivers had been handled by Serban and possibly Toma. Bodycam footage, translated from Romanian, revealed Serban asking Toma, “Did you throw that thing away?”—a clear nod to the incriminating tools.
Both pleaded guilty to two attempted burglaries and carrying burglary equipment, but then skipped their court dates. Serban even fled the country. Thanks to dogged police work, they were eventually tracked down and brought to justice in Guildford Crown Court, Serban sentenced on October 4, and Toma on November 16.
PC Daniel Bell from the Northern Burglary Team said: “This was a lengthy investigation complicated by their failure to appear. I thank the victims for their patience. Burglary is a horrific crime—no one should feel unsafe at home, especially with children present. We hope this sentence deters other would-be burglars.”
Winter Warning: Secure Your Home Now
With darker nights coming, burglary risk rises. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Use timer lights when you’re out
- Consider installing burglar or panic alarms
- Lock sheds and side alleys with sturdy padlocks
Many security upgrades are affordable and essential to keep burglars at bay—and help police nail offenders.
