A dozy burglar was caught ‘bed handed’ by police – after being found hiding under a duvet in a cupboard under the stairs. Now Michal Duda, 32, has admitted burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, handling stolen goods, driving while disqualified, possession of cannabis and driving without insurance and jailed for 57 months.
Chester Crown Court heard this week how Duda targeted the homes of the elderly in Crewe, Cheshire, from January this year – some while out on bail for similar offences. Welcoming the sentence, Detective Sergeant Kevin Williams of Cheshire Police said: “Duda targeted the properties of elderly and vulnerable people, violating their homes – the place they should be able to feel safe and secure.
“Even after being arrested for one offence and bailed to allow for further enquiries to be carried out, he continued to offend and attempted to avoid being arrested by officers.
“However, thanks to teamwork from across Cheshire Police and with help from another force, Duda is now facing a lengthy spell behind bars.
“I hope the conclusion of this case will help reassure the victims and residents nearby of how seriously we take crimes of this nature.”
Police first caught the defendant after being called to reports of a 7.30pm burglary on Gainsborough Road in Crewe in January.
Officers sent to the property – which belonged to a 79-year-old man not home at the time – found a window was smashed while Duda was seen in the upstairs window and ‘loud crashes’ being heard.
Cops forced their way inside and found him hiding underneath some duvets in a cupboard below a flight of stairs.
A number of keys, £30 in cash, low value jewellery, spoons and other decorative items were found in his pockets
He was released on bail pending further investigations but went onto raid two other homes.
In February a 72 year-old victim returned to their home in Crewe’s Badger Avenue after visiting a relative in hospital to find it had been burgled.
Items stolen included between £250 and £300 in cash, a purse, an iPad and keys to a Hyundai vehicle which had also been taken.
That vehicle was found in an alleyway near Stalbridge Road in Crewe the following day with CCTV showing Duda – who was banned from driving – going to and from the car. A fingerprint recovered also matched Duda.
While being wanted by cops, damage was caused to a property on Gresty Road between March 5 and March 7. The home owner at the property was an 87-year-old who was in hospital at the time.
Damage had been caused to the rear door and a search had been made of the home. Duda was arrested on April 10 this year by West Yorkshire Police.
A search was carried out at the defendant’s address where a large boat figurine and vintage coins, which had been stolen from the address in Gresty Road, were found.
He admitted burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, handling stolen goods, driving while disqualified, possession of cannabis and driving without insurance and sentenced to 57 months in prison.