Brave Retired Cop and Officer Nab Violent Burglars in Daring Arrest
Two violent burglars have been locked up after a retired Met sergeant and an on-duty officer teamed up to catch them red-handed. David Hansen, 27, from Barking Riverside, and Sean Bello, 24, a drifter, were sentenced to nine and seven-and-a-half years respectively for aggravated burglary at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 14 February.
Retired Sergeant Spots Shady Suspects
On the evening of 11 August 2019, retired Met Sergeant Kenneth Alen, previously based at Tower Hamlets, was at home in South Woodford when he noticed a black Audi S-Line breaking the law by repeatedly driving the wrong way down a one-way street. The car stopped outside a residential property, and two men got out, covering their faces with hoodies and masks.
Burglars Strike, But No One’s Home
The pair forced their way into a woman’s house where she lived with her young son. Luckily, neither was at home during the break-in. Sergeant Alen immediately dialled 999 and made his move.
On-Duty Officers Join the Action
As Alen approached the vehicle, a man sat in the driver’s seat. When Alen reached for the door, the car sped off. The burglars were exiting the property and Alen tried to stop them—only to be punched multiple times.
Response officers from the East Area Command Unit arrived quickly. PC Natalia Kolodziej gave chase, wrestling the suspects into the kitchen while waiting for backup. Together, they pinned the men down and found flick knives, a large screwdriver, and a stash of stolen gold from the home.
Justice Served
Hansen and Bello were arrested, charged, and remanded in custody. Their violent spree came to an end thanks to quick thinking, bravery, and teamwork from both retired and active Met officers.
