Four men have been jailed for committing a series of 22 burglaries across London over a two month period in early 2022 which targeted elderly and vulnerable people.
It follows a joint investigation by Metropolitan Police from north and west London and the Met’s Flying Squad. The crimes took place in Ealing, Brent, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Tower Hamlets, Colindale, Barnet, Greenwich, Enfield, Hounslow, Islington and Barnet.
The gang drove a variety of vehicles to commit their crimes and were intercepted in a pub in Cricklewood after they forensically cleansed and abandoned their last vehicle.
Detective Superintendent Simon Moring, from the Met’s Central Specialist Crime – Flying Squad said: “This investigation focused on a prolific team of burglars who specifically targeted the elderly and vulnerable. They posed as legitimate workmen, enabling them to enter the homes of their victims. Some of the property they stole had sentimental value and is irreplaceable.”
They were jailed last week (4 April 2023) after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary at Harrow Crown Court. They are:
John Casey, 43 of Kingfisher Lane, Billingshurst, West Sussex was sentenced to eight years and six months’ imprisonment.
Michael Casey, 47 of Kingfisher Lane, Billingshurst, West Sussex was sentenced to seven years and nine months’ imprisonment.
Martin Moloney, 42 of North Road, West Drayton was sentenced to five years and four months’ imprisonment.
Sean McGoldrick, 50 of Pinewood Road, Iver was sentenced to six years and six months’ imprisonment.
An investigation was launched after detectives identified a series of burglaries which occurred between 17 January and 29 March 2022.
Police revealed that in each offence, the suspects would knock at the door of an elderly occupier and introduce themselves. They would then engage in conversation with the occupant and enter the house to look for plumbing issues, then ask the householder to remove items from under the sink.
This interaction would serve to distract the occupier.
Michael Casey, Maloney and McGoldrick would then enter premises and search for cash, jewellery, watches and gold. John Casey would wait outside in the mission vehicle ready to make their escape.
On 29 March 2022 John Casey, Michael Casey and Martin Maloney were arrested having been observed by police visiting an address of an elderly person and subsequent enquiries confirmed the same method had been used in order to steal cash from within the premises. McGoldrick was arrested a few days later and all four were charged as above.
Throughout their burglary spree the men stole £39,695 worth of jewellery, often from Asian families. These included engagement rings and family heirlooms. The bulk of the losses came from a single offence in west London, where £23,720 of jewellery made up of gold and jewelled rings, bangles and earrings were stolen. They also stole £13,340 cash.
Detective Superintendent Simon Moring, continued by saying: “They were sophisticated in their offending and forensically aware. They frequently changed vehicles to evade capture. I should like to thank the members of the public who provided police with information and CCTV footage. I should also like to pay tribute to all officers and staff who have worked tirelessly to bring about these convictions.”
