Stephen Sheen targeted addresses across North West London

A burglar who targeted a string of addresses across North West London has been jailed after he was snared in an operation led by Brent Police.

Isleworth Crown Court heard Stephen Sheen was caught after traces of his blood were found at an address he successfully broke into in Acton.

The 31-year-old from Southall, was the subject of a covert surveillance which was launched by Brent Crime Squad in March last year.

Officers witnessed him meeting with another man before travelling to the Acton area on bus.

Both men tried to break into 11 properties but as they were not successful they were not arrested.

The following month a burglary took place in Acton where blood found at the address had been found to be a DNA match for Sheen.

He was sentenced to three years in prison after he admitted conspiracy to commit burglary and burglary of a residential premise in North West London.

His accomplice was also arrested and charged with the same offences - he currently awaits trial.

T/Detective Constable Kevin Harvey from Brent Police said: “Stephen Sheen is a persistent offender. He was acting in conjunction with another to carry out burglary offences across North West London. He has been brought to justice by a covert investigation, the strength of evidence against him forcing him to plead guilty.

“Burglary is a nasty crime that violates the privacy of a victim’s home. I am delighted that such a prolific burglar has been caught and I am delighted with length of sentence that the court has handed down”.