Burglars Busted by Their Own Screwdrivers in Shocking Addlestone Attempt
Two bungling burglars were caught red-handed thanks to sharp police work, forensic evidence, and translators piecing the puzzle together.
Sentence Passed After Foiled Break-In
Gheorghe Serban, 33, from Addlestone, was sentenced to 34 months behind bars and slapped with a victim surcharge.
His brother-in-law, Iulian Toma, 43, from Crawley, Sussex, escaped jail but got a 21-month suspended sentence with a strict electronic curfew from 8pm to 5am.
Busted at the Scene with Screwdrivers in Hand
At 9.49pm on Friday 15 January 2021, cops were scrambled to Hampshire Court in Addlestone after reports of two suspicious men forcing entry into a house.
Officers found Serban and Toma nearby. Though they denied owning the two screwdrivers found at their feet, claiming they were just walking to buy cigarettes and visit an ex, CCTV footage smashed that story to bits.
It showed the pair trying to break into two homes on the street – not a quick stroll to the shops.
Forensics and Translators Seal the Deal
Forensic tests confirmed the screwdrivers had been handled by Serban and possibly by Toma. Body camera footage, translated from Romanian to English, caught Serban asking, “Did you throw that thing away?” – a clear nod to the incriminating tools.
Both pleaded guilty to attempted burglaries and carrying burglary tools but fled before their court appearances. Serban even skipped the country!
Thanks to relentless police work, they were finally tracked down and brought back to Guildford Crown Court. Serban was sentenced on 4 October, and Toma on 16 November.
PC Daniel Bell, Northern Burglary Team, said: “This was a long investigation made tougher by their no-shows to court. I thank the victims for their patience. Burglary is a cruel crime, especially as the victims were home with their children at the time. I hope this sentence warns off any other wannabe burglars.”
Winter Warning: Lock Up or Pay the Price
As winter brings longer nights, burglars may strike more often. Protect your home with these tips:
- Use timer lights when you’re out.
- Consider burglar or panic alarms.
- Secure sheds and side alleys with strong padlocks.
Many security upgrades are affordable and could save you from becoming the next victim while helping police crack down on offenders.
