Burglar Gang Nabbed After Preying on Elderly Across London and Surrounding Counties
Met Police Crack Down on Ruthless Burglars
Detectives from the Met’s Flying Squad teamed up with officers from North West and West Area Basic Command Units to launch Operation Bayview. The operation targeted a spike in residential burglaries, focusing on homes of elderly and vulnerable victims.
Three Men Caught and Sentenced
On Friday, 28 January, all three suspects pleaded guilty at court and were sentenced on Monday, 21 March:
- Lawrence Connors, 29, of High Wycombe, was handed six years and five months for conspiracy to commit burglary and being present at six offences.
- Michael Doran, 23, from Northolt, got five years and eight months for conspiracy, linked to four offences.
- James O’Leary, 19, from Harrow, received two years and eight months for burglary and conspiracy, plus a driving ban after admitting driving offences.
Burglaries Across London, Hampshire, Surrey, and Bucks
The crime spree spanned from 26 June to 1 July 2021, hitting properties in north and west London, Hampshire, Surrey, and Buckinghamshire. The thieves made off with an estimated £200,000 worth of loot. Sadly, £30,000 of stolen goods, including sentimental items, remain missing.
Met Detectives Crack the Case
Officers analysed dozens of reports from London and surrounding counties, spotting patterns in jewellery thefts and vehicle descriptions. They sifted through hours of CCTV footage and ANPR data, and conducted surveillance on the trio’s vehicles.
On 1 July, police watched the men leave a High Wycombe address linked to a burglary. Surrey and Met ANPR teams stopped their car shortly after. The gang tried to flee but were swiftly arrested.
Jewellery and property valued at up to £100,000 was recovered and returned to owners. Police also seized a high-value stolen vehicle connected to earlier burglaries.
Detective Superintendent Figo Forouzan, from West Area BCU, said:
“The evidence we gathered left these men no choice but to plead guilty. They thought they were too clever to get caught, but we proved them wrong. They targeted vulnerable victims, robbing them in the dead of night and stealing irreplaceable items of sentimental value.”
