Paul Debenham, 30 of no fixed address was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment at Croydon Crown Court on Monday, 29 April for a linked series of aggravated burglaries in the Orpington area.
Debenham targeted the elderly – on two occasions he broke into homes while the residents were inside.
While inside, Debenham was caught on an internal CCTV camera.
The footage clearly showed him rummaging around the property – evidence which was crucial to the police investigation.
Investigating officer PC Rob Melton from the burglary investigation team at Bromley Police Station said: “Debenham was a ruthless criminal who committed crime to fund his lifestyle. He showed no remorse for the long lasting impact these offences would have on his victims.
“Debenham’s arrest and the substantial evidence against him was the was the result of a combined effort by a number of local police units. He will now serve a substantial sentence which will protect the public from his despicable crimes.”
Alongside the two aggravated burglaries, Debenham was also charged with four commercial burglaries, seven residential burglaries, theft of a motor vehicle and vehicle interference.
With a total of 15 offences linked to him, Debenham was identified through extensive CCTV enquiries after footage was obtained from a number of residential and retail properties. He left a box containing a bottle of alcohol at the scene on Spur Road, from which his fingerprints were recovered.
