Two individuals are set to appear in court today after being linked to a series of burglaries in Orpington.
The suspects were captured on doorbell footage during a burglary on Thursday, August 1. The following day, another burglary was reported, involving a yellow Mercedes Sprinter that was later traced to an address in Dartford.
During patrols on Friday, August 2, police recognized the vehicle based on intelligence and conducted a stop. This led to the arrest of a suspect who was allegedly found with stolen items. Further investigations connected the suspect to a string of burglaries, and they were taken into custody in Bromley.
A Section 18 search of the suspect’s address revealed the presence of another individual, who was also arrested. Both suspects were taken into custody and charged.
The first suspect has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of burglary, handling stolen goods, driving without a license, and driving without insurance. The second suspect faces charges of two counts of burglary and handling stolen goods.
Both suspects have been remanded in custody and are due to appear in court today, August 5.
Official Statement
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police provided a statement regarding the arrests:
“On 1st August 2024, suspects were caught on doorbell footage during a burglary in Orpington. The next day, another burglary was reported, involving suspects in a yellow Mercedes Sprinter. The vehicle was later linked to an address in Dartford. On 2nd August, police were patrolling and recognized the same vehicle from intel and conducted a stop, leading to the arrest of a suspect, who was found with stolen items.
“Further investigation and quick police action linked the suspect to a series of burglaries and transported to Bromley Custody. An S18 search was completed of the suspect’s address, where another suspect was present. They were also arrested for burglary and taken into custody. Suspect 1 was arrested for Burglary x2, handling stolen goods, no driving license, and no insurance. Suspect 2 was arrested for Burglary x2, Handling stolen goods. Both suspects have been remanded for court today.”
The arrests highlight the effectiveness of community surveillance and swift police response in addressing property crimes. The Metropolitan Police continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.