It is only a matter of time before the notorious ‘fisherman’s hat’ burglar is caught, the head of the burglary squad said after it is believed he struck again at the weekend.
The enigmatic thief, known as the ‘fisherman’s hat’ burglar because of his distinctive headwear, is suspected of plundering an estimated £10m from Wimbledon homes, including that of Boris Becker, over the past decade.
In the last four months alone, police think he has struck more than 20 homes in the Wimbledon area, including in Home Park Road, Parkside and Parkside Gardens.
From 2014: Prolific Wimbledon Village burglar who may have committed 150 offences sought
Tennis star Boris Becker’s home has been among those targeted in the past, as well as properties in Arthur Road, Bathgate Road and Church Road in Wimbledon.
Thousands of pounds worth of jewellery, watches and cash has been taken from the raids and never recovered.
Detective inspector Dan O’Sullivan, who has been leading the investigation for the last two years, said the net is closing in on the man, who they have yet to identify.
DI O’Sullivan, of Wimbledon CID, said: “It’s clearly him.
“It has been a very protracted investigation. It has been going on for two years.
“I might have to ask him to hand himself in."
DI O'Sullivan said the offences are committed at night, and is asking people who know someone who goes out at night in strange circumstances to alert them.
“It is only a matter of time before we get that lead and we get him," he added.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, police were called to a multi-million pound house in Home Park Road by Wimbledon Park to reports of a burglary.
A helicopter and police dogs were drafted in to look for the thief who had taken a few hundred pounds in cash from the home but no one was found.
The crime was said to have all the hallmarks of the prolific thief who has been terrorising Wimbledon Village for almost 10 years.
Despite being caught on CCTV that was featured on a TV Crimewatch appeal and his photo widely circulated by the Metropolitan Police he has never been caught.
He is a suspect in more than 150 Wimbledon burglaries where the thief cunningly snuck through gardens, silencing security alarms and disguising his thefts so victims do not realise they have been robbed straight away.
He often wears a black fisherman’s hat and black clothing and targets detached houses in Wimbledon Village.
Once inside an address he will use his jacket and pockets to 'bag' items such as cash and jewellery, according to a police.
On at least three occasions, the burglar has been disturbed by occupants who have been within their homes whilst the burglary has taken place.
DI O’Sullivan said it would be good to arrest the man.
He said: “It has been a difficult job.
“I won’t be in Merton forever, although I’m not going anywhere just yet.”
In the Home Park Road burglary, the man is described as slim, 5ft 6ins, wearing a dark grey jacket and loose trousers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here