Harlow Burglar Busted After Crime Spree Across Hertfordshire
Michael Nicos, 29, has been locked up for five years after a spree of break-ins and thefts across Harlow, Roydon, Buckhurst Hill, and Broxbourne. His crime wave lasted just three weeks, from 5 to 26 February this year.
Spree Includes Stolen Credit Card Spending and Vehicle Break-Ins
Nicos didn’t just smash and grab – he splashed out over £1,700 on a stolen credit card. He also tried to break into several vehicles. Cops pieced together his trail using more than a dozen CCTV clips and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) data.
Arrest and Guilty Plea Lead to Heavy Sentence
Arrested on 1 May, Nicos was slapped with seven counts of attempted burglary, three counts of fraud, two counts of theft from vehicles, two counts of vehicle interference, two burglaries, plus one count each of theft and motor vehicle theft. The defendant, from Caledonian Road, N7, pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court the next day.
On 9 October, Chelmsford Crown Court sentenced him to five years behind bars.
“Michael Nicos is a prolific offender who has no respect for other people’s property,” said Detective Constable Alexander Brown.
“He carried out a string of offences across a wide area in west and east Hertfordshire. Fortunately, the mountain of evidence forced him to plead guilty.
“Breaking into someone’s home leaves victims feeling violated and unsafe. We work tirelessly to catch those responsible and bring them to justice.”
