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A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to 15 months in a young offenders’ institution after breaking into a family home in Exeter and stealing a BMW, PlayStation 5, and personal belongings as the occupants slept.
Alfie Curtis, of Windermere Close, Exeter, appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Monday (14 July), where he pleaded guilty to burglary in connection with the incident, which took place in January 2024 on Exwick Road.
Brazen Burglary While Family Slept
The court heard that the homeowner woke up to find her BMW missing, before realising her flat had been burgled. Her bag had been tampered with and her car keys, bank cards, ID documents, and PlayStation 5 were gone.
The intruder is believed to have entered through unlocked patio doors.
The BMW was later found abandoned in Stoke Canon more than a week after the incident and was examined by police.
DNA Evidence Leads to Arrest
Curtis was identified after DNA was recovered from a bag that had been handled during the burglary. CCTV footage showed a suspect entering the property at 2:50am and leaving in the BMW at 3:32am.
Curtis was subsequently arrested and charged.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Margarita Amelcenko, who led the investigation, said:
“This crime had a severe psychological effect on the victims, who were left terrified by what happened.
Curtis not only stole the victim’s car and belongings – he also stole a sense of safety and security that one usually feels in their own home.
As a force, we are committed to tackling this type of crime and bringing offenders to justice.”
She added a reminder for residents to secure their homes and keep keys away from doors and windows to help deter opportunistic thieves.
How to Report Burglary
Police urge anyone affected by burglary to:
- Call 101 or visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website
- If a burglary is in progress, dial 999 immediately
