Burglars Busted by Their Own Screwdrivers and Slick Police Work
Two bungling burglars were nabbed thanks to sharp forensic work and clever use of interpreters. Their own screwdrivers sealed their fate after a botched break-in in Addlestone.
Sentences Handed Down
- Gheorghe Serban, 33, from Addlestone, got 34 months behind bars plus a victim surcharge.
- Brother-in-law Iulian Toma, 43, from Crawley, Sussex, was handed a 21-month suspended sentence with an electronic curfew between 8pm and 5am.
How Cops Caught Them Out
On January 15, 2021, around 9.49pm, officers rushed to Hampshire Court, Addlestone, after reports of two suspicious men trying to break into homes. The men were quickly detained and searched, with two screwdrivers found by their feet. Both denied knowing anything about the tools, spinning a story about visiting an ex-girlfriend nearby.
But house-to-house inquiries and CCTV smashed their alibi. Footage showed them attempting to sneak into two properties on the street.
Forensics and Translation Seal the Case
Forensic tests proved Serban had handled the screwdrivers and Toma likely did too. Police bodycam footage caught their conversation in Romanian — when Serban asked Toma, “Did you throw that thing away?” referring to the tools.
Both men were charged with two counts of attempted burglary and going equipped for burglary. Despite admitting guilt, they skipped court — Serban fled the country. But cops never gave up, tracking them down and bringing them to justice earlier this year.
PC Daniel Bell, Northern Burglary Team, said: “This was a long investigation made tougher by the defendants skipping court. I thank the victims for their patience. Burglary is a vile crime, especially when families with children are targeted. I hope these sentences put other burglars off.”
Stay Safe This Winter – Top Security Tips
With winter’s darker nights arriving, experts warn burglaries tend to spike. Keep your home safe by:
- Using timer lights when you’re out
- Installing burglar or panic alarms
- Securing sheds and side alleys with strong padlocks
These simple, affordable steps can protect your home and help police lock up offenders.
