Croydon Burglar Caught on CCTV After Daring Spree
Lloyd Ernest Edwards, 35, from Cherry Orchard Road, Croydon, has been locked up for two years and five months. The crook pleaded guilty to a string of burglaries and fraud offences after a brazen crime spree last October.
Targeted School and Home in Redhill
Police were alerted to two break-ins in Redhill within days. Edwards first broke into the staff canteen at Carrington School on 25 October, stealing a wallet and mobile phone. He was seen on CCTV nearby before using the stolen bank cards at local shops.
Just four days later, Edwards struck again at a home on Keats Avenue. The victim caught him loitering outside before he nabbed her handbag containing bank cards and lottery tickets. CCTV captured him once more using the stolen cards at multiple shops, including JD Sports.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrest
Officers quickly zeroed in on Edwards. He was arrested days later wearing the same clothes seen on CCTV and found with the stolen lottery tickets. At Guildford Crown Court on 4 April, Edwards admitted to residential and non-residential burglary and five counts of fraud by false representation.
Police Praise Investigation, Warn Public
“Edwards was a prolific burglar who went out of his way to target residential and non-residential premises to steal from the public,” said PC Joseph Brown of Surrey Police’s Local Proactive Unit.
“Not only was he brazen enough to steal from one victim in their workplace and the other in their home, but he went on a spending spree with their bank cards.
“We were committed to bringing Edwards to justice and seeing him convicted and sentenced. We appreciate that for people in Surrey, burglary is concerning and affects victims who have to pick up the pieces.”
Edwards now faces a lengthy stint behind bars after shaking Surrey with his reckless crime spree.
