Wig-Wearing Burglar Nabbed for 15 Years!
A thief who tried to hide behind a stash of wigs during a brazen crime spree in Thanet has been locked up for 15 years.
Disguised Desperado Tied Up Victim and Ransacked Home
Darren Giardina, 44, homeless and desperate, used multiple wigs to cover his tracks as he prowled between July and September 2019. His most shocking crime? Tying up a victim and ransacking their Broadstairs home.
- Giardina was caught guilty of two burglaries and robbery after a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.
- On 6 September, he and a partner raided a house on Swinburne Avenue, demanding cash and stealing jewellery, an engraved pocket watch, an antique pistol, and an old musket.
- Stolen goods were later discovered at another burgled Ramsgate property that had also been targeted.
Wigs, CCTV and Fingerprints Blow His Cover
Despite his wig disguises, forensic teams found Giardina’s fingerprints at the crime scenes. CCTV footage caught him red-handed wearing different wigs during various thefts:
- Stealing a copper water tank in Ramsgate on 27 July
- Breaking into a car in Broadstairs on 24 August
At his arrest on 18 September, he sported a black wig. Police also recovered more wigs and the clothes he wore during his spree.
Police Slam ‘Hair-Brained’ Heist
“Giardina’s decision to wear wigs to try and disguise himself was undoubtedly a ‘hair-brained’ one – he was recognisable despite them. He left fingerprints and other evidence at the scenes which our team quickly located,” said DS Jay Robinson of the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad.
“Maybe prison will give him time to think about putting his energy into something positive instead of using party costumes to feed his greed.
“Stealing from people is despicable. The victim endured a terrifying ordeal, and those burgled now face the trauma of someone rifling through their belongings. I thank all the victims for their support during this investigation and wish them well.”
