Bungling Burglars Busted by Their Own Screwdrivers
Two burglars were caught red-handed thanks to sharp police work involving forensics and interpreters. Their own tools sealed their fate.
Family Pair Nabbed in Failed Break-In
Gheorghe Serban, 33, from Addlestone, was jailed for 34 months and hit with a victim surcharge. His brother-in-law, Iulian Toma, 43, from Crawley, Sussex, got a 21-month suspended sentence and an electronic curfew from 8pm to 5am.
The drama unfolded on the evening of 15 January 2021. At 9:49pm, officers were called to Hampshire Court in Addlestone after reports of two shady characters trying to break into a home. Cops arrived fast and detained the suspects, who found themselves cornered when two screwdrivers were discovered by their feet – tools the pair denied owning.
Alibi Crumbles Under CCTV and Forensics
The duo claimed they were just heading to the shops for cigarettes, with Serban saying he wanted to visit an old girlfriend nearby. But house-to-house inquiries and CCTV footage told a different story, showing them attempting to force their way into two homes.
Forensic analysis confirmed Serban had handled the screwdrivers; Toma possibly had too. Bodycam footage was translated from Romanian to English, revealing Serban asking Toma, “Did you throw that thing away?” – a reference believed to be about the screwdrivers.
Fugitives Tracked Down and Sentenced
Both pleaded guilty to two attempted burglaries and possessing burglary tools. But they then skipped their court hearings, with Serban fleeing the country. Persistent police tracked them down, leading to Serban’s sentencing on 4 October and Toma’s on 16 November.
“Burglary is a despicable crime, and nobody should feel unsafe in their own home,” said PC Daniel Bell of the Northern Burglary Team. “I thank the victims for their patience. I hope this sentence deters other would-be burglars.”
Winter Warning: Stay Safe This Dark Season
With winter and darker nights closing in, burglary risks rise. Police advise strengthening your home security:
- Use timer lights to make your home look occupied.
- Consider installing burglar or panic alarms.
- Ensure sheds and side alleys have working padlocks.
Many of these measures are affordable and effective. Stay vigilant and help keep your home safe this winter.
