Discarded Beer Can Proves Burglar's Downfall

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Michal Gut jailed for two years after stealing goods worth around £80,000

A serial burglar identified via DNA evidence left on used lager cans he discarded at crime scenes has been jailed.

Michal Gut, aged 30, of Third Avenue, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment at Snaresbrook Crown Court this week for four counts of burglary and two attempted burglaries which occurred between January 2013 and November 2014. It is estimate that Gut was responsible for stealing property worth in the region of £80,000.

Officers arrested Gut in Plaistow in February 2015 following an investigation into a linked series of burglaries in Hammersmith and Fulham, Newham and Kent. All four burglaries occurred at properties that were unoccupied, with Gut forcing rear doors open or entering via open windows. On two occasions, Gut was disturbed by occupants who were inside their property, at which point he fled empty-handed. Crimes committed locally included an attempted robbery at Ravenscourt Gardens in January 2013 and two burglaries at homes on Loftus Road in November 2012.

Gut came to police notice after his DNA was discovered on discarded lager cans left in two gardens at properties he had burgled. The 'Okocim Mocne' Polish high-strength lager cans were found by burglary victims.

A search of the address where he lived in Newham at the time of his arrest uncovered more than 100 stolen items he had accumulated from his crimes. PlayStation consoles, video cameras, high value pens and items of jewellery, which included necklaces gilt with one burglary victim's name, were recovered.

Detective Constable Robert Rodak, of the Priority Crime Unit in Hammersmith and Fulham, said, "Fortunately for the victims in this matter we have been able to reunite them with a majority of the stolen property, some of which holds significant sentimental value. One cufflink collection alone that Gut stole is worth approximately £1,200.

"With support from our colleagues at Newham borough, we gathered strong forensic evidence to present before the courts. Gut's conviction and jail term will serve as a stark reminder to other opportunist burglars that we will use every resource to bring them to justice. Furthermore we will make every effort to recover and restore stolen goods to their rightful owners."

June 10, 2015