Three caught in cross-country burglary spree targeting elderly victims
Three burglars were hauled before Swindon Crown Court last Friday following a daring crime spree across Wiltshire and beyond. Blerim Rodogoshi, 41, from Dublin, Klodian Ruci, 32, and Hazret Zmakaj, 25, both from London, face multiple charges after being caught with stolen goods on the M4 motorway.
Swift police action cracks burglary ring
Wiltshire Police launched a major investigation after a series of overnight raids in Swindon and Cricklade between July 22 and 23. Officers quickly zeroed in on a vehicle moving through the area linked to the offences. Stopped eastbound on the M4, the suspects were arrested on the spot with stolen property in their possession.
Linked to multiple burglaries across three counties
Thanks to painstaking detective work — including CCTV analysis, house-to-house enquiries, and forensic tests — the trio were tied to a string of burglaries stretching across Wiltshire, Valley, and Sussex. Rodogoshi and Zmakaj stand charged with seven burglaries, while Ruci faces four.
- Cricklade: Two burglaries overnight on July 1 and July 23
- Swindon: Two burglaries on July 22
- Great Missenden and Pitstone: Burglary and attempted burglary on July 22
- Crawley: Burglary on July 4
Profiling the gang and their victims
“The defendants are prolific burglars who deliberately targeted addresses of elderly victims in the late evening or overnight,” said DC Gary Bracey from the Burglary Unit in Swindon.
“One acted as the driver and lookout while the other two smashed or prised open rear windows to break in.”
“The impact on victims is profound. One terrified resident saw their shadows in her open bedroom doorway but was too scared to move. This kind of trauma shatters people’s sense of safety in their own homes.”
“We take burglaries incredibly seriously,” DC Bracey added. “Our dedicated Burglary Unit works hard to bring offenders like these to justice and reduce crime.”
After pleading guilty, Ruci and Rodogoshi were remanded in custody, while Zmakaj was granted bail. Sentencing dates are yet to be announced.
