Hunt Intensifies for 'Fisherman's Hat' Burglar
Believed to have carried out 150 burglaries in Wimbledon Village
Police have issued a renewed appeal to the public concerning a prolific burglar operating in the Wimbledon Villages area. An appeal relating to the suspect has also been broadcast on Crimewatch.
The man, who wears a trade mark black 'fisherman's' hat and black clothing, has targeted detached properties within Wimbledon Village since 2006.
The suspect at a home in Arthur Road (Picture: Met Police)
Despite extensive enquiries and continued media appeals he has not yet been identified or caught. When an appeal was issued in July 2013, he was wanted in connection with 35 burglaries but since that time the number he is believed to be responsible for has risen to 150.
The suspect is believed to enter properties via doors and windows left insecure and may also be in possession of a device used to pick locks. He also meticulously removes or destroys security equipment at the properties prior to committing the burglary.
Once inside an address he will use his jacket and pockets to 'bag' items such as cash and jewellery. On at least three occasions, the burglar has been disturbed by occupants who have been at home whilst the burglary was taking place. He has then immediately fled.
The suspect at a home in Arthur Road (Picture: Met Police)
On 12 January 2012, the suspect attempted a burglary at an address on Arthur Road. He arrived in a dark Vauxhall Astra or Corsa which he parked nearby before using a small ladder to climb over a fence. He then cut the cables to the exterior CCTV cameras and tried the rear doors before leaving the scene.
Detective Inspector Dan O'Sulllivan, of CID based at Wimbledon said: "We are renewing appeals and asking for the public's help in identifying this man so that we can bring this man to justice and his crime spree to a immediate halt. Someone must recognise this man and his distinctive clothing. 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. Do you know anyone who fits this profile?
"A number of tactics are being used to trace the suspect and support the residents of Wimbledon Village. Plain clothes patrols and operations and has generated intelligence whilst we provide reassurance patrols and officers to advise on home security. We urge anyone who recognises this individual to contact us. All call will be treated with the utmost confidentially."
A more recent image of the suspect taken on Church Road (Picture: Met Police)
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merton Police on 020 8649 3159 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
April 29, 2014