Serial Burglar Derek Antwi Busted After Trail of Nike Trainers and Bikes
Derek Antwi, 29, of Upper Hollingdean Road, Brighton, has been jailed for six years after pleading guilty to a series of burglaries and robberies across the city. The crook’s signature? Wearing stolen gear from previous break-ins — especially Nike Airforce 1 trainers.
Nike Footprints and Stolen Bicycles Leading Police to Antwi
Police linked a string of crimes to Antwi through muddy footprints with Nike Airforce sole patterns. Victims repeatedly reported stolen Nike trainers, including rare tan and blue Airforce 1s later found in his flat.
Antwi’s usual break-in method involved smashing patio doors at the back of homes and rifling through rooms in a messy search for valuables.
Caught On CCTV – The Crook’s Own Clumsiness
- December 10: Antwi stole a bank card in Glendale Road and was caught on CCTV cycling around shops using the card. The bike he rode was stolen too.
- December 15: He was spotted scaling a wall on Rothbury Road wearing those distinctive stolen Nike trainers.
- December 16: Antwi threatened to stab two Silverdale Road residents after they caught him stealing bikes from their shed.
- January 10: Residents on Stanford Road chased him off after he stole trainers and burgled a neighbour’s house, wearing clothes stolen from the same property.
Pawned Bikes and Final Arrest
Antwi was finally arrested on January 18 after stealing two bikes worth £6,500 from Westbourne Gardens. Shockingly, he had sold one bike for just £120, cash still in his pocket at the time of arrest.
He was slapped with multiple charges including three counts of burglary, robbery, fraud, theft of cycles, theft from person, and handling stolen goods.
Investigator Praises Team as Antwi is Locked Up
“Derek Antwi is a committed criminal relentless in his offending across Brighton and Hove,” said Investigator Rose Horan.
“His crimes caused financial loss, invaded personal space, and even threatened victim safety.”
“Thanks to clear patterns in his crimes and a mountain of evidence, we nailed him and got him off the streets.”
“A big thank you to the victims and everyone who helped secure this conviction.”
