One of London's most prolific burglars caught on CCTV

 
Caught out: The man is believed to have burgled 150 homes
Simon Freeman29 April 2014
WEST END FINAL

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This is the moment one of London’s most prolific burglars realised he had finally been caught on camera.

The man, who is believed to have carried out raids on more than 150 homes in affluent Wimbledon Village, south London, covers his mouth in shock as he stares wide-eyed into the lens. Police say the suspect has evaded capture for almost a decade by meticulously disabling security devices before picking the locks of detached homes.

Wearing dark clothing and a trademark black fishing hat, he fills his pockets with cash and jewellery.

Despite having to flee after being disturbed by homeowners at least three times, he has not been identified since launching his crime spree in 2006.

He was spotted two years ago in the process of carrying out a road at a house in Arthur Road. He arrived in a dark Vauxhall hatchback, climbed over a fence and cut the cables to CCTV cameras before trying to force the rear doors.

Scotland Yard today released the clearest image yet captured of the suspect, taken in the kitchen of a Wimbledon home.

Detective Inspector Dan O’Sulllivan, of Wimbledon CID, said: “We are asking for the public’s help so that we can bring this man to justice and his crime spree to a immediate halt.

“He clearly spends a significant amount of time away from home in the early hours, something which cannot go unnoticed by his family and friends. “The meticulous removal or destruction of security equipment of the properties is part of the burglar’s tactic prior to committing the burglary. “We urge anyone who recognises this individual to contact us. All call will be treated with the utmost confidentially.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merton Police on 020 8649 3159 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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