Burglar who preyed on the elderly locked up for 12 years
Ruthless burglar caught on CCTV
Paul Debenham, 30, a drifter with no fixed address, was sentenced to 12 years behind bars at Croydon Crown Court on Monday, 29 April. The conviction followed a string of violent burglaries across Orpington.
Debenham targeted vulnerable victims, breaking into homes while residents were still inside. On 31 October 2023, he forced entry into a Spur Road house armed with a handgun. Inside, he threatened a 78-year-old man and shoved a 76-year-old woman to the floor before stealing their car and fleeing the scene.
Crucially, internal CCTV captured Debenham rifling through the property, providing key evidence that nailed him.
Police slam ‘ruthless’ criminal
PC Rob Melton from Bromley’s burglary investigation team blasted Debenham’s criminality. “He was ruthless, committing crime to fund his lifestyle. Debenham showed no remorse for the devastating impact on his victims,” Melton said.
He added: “His arrest and the mountain of evidence against him came from a combined police effort. He will now serve a long stretch, protecting the public from further harm.”
Crime spree revealed
- Debenham was linked to two aggravated burglaries, four commercial break-ins, seven residential burglaries, plus theft and interference with motor vehicles.
- He left behind a box with a bottle of alcohol at one crime scene, from which his fingerprints were lifted.
- Extensive CCTV footage across homes and shops connected Debenham to a total of 15 offences.
Justice has caught up with this callous burglar, ensuring he spends years behind bars for terrifying innocent people.
