Thief stole personal files from dental surgery

A burglar who stole personal details from a dental surgery to sell on for �10 each to a criminal gang has been jailed.

Derrick Hurley, 34, of Fairway Avenue, Kingsbury, thought he would make hundreds of pounds by handing over the files to identity fraudsters.

But he ended up dumping them in a skip after they were rejected by the crooks for being the wrong type of document.

Hendon Magistrates Court heard Hurley fled with the files containing 50 to 60 personal details after breaking into the surgery in Edgware between May 5 and May 6, after he was propositioned by the fraudsters.

He was arrested after investigating officers identified him in CCTV footage captured at the scene.

Hurley led the police to where he dumped the files and they were returned to the surgery.

Last week he admitted burglary and was sentenced to six months with a four-week reduction for assisting police to retrieve the stolen property.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Raphael of Barnet CID said: “This case shows the drive and determination of the Barnet ACU. Within a week of the burglary being reported, two men have been arrested, one is now serving a prison sentence and all outstanding property has been recovered.

“I am proud of the work of my officers in this case and those people whose identity was stolen will be relieved at the success of the investigation.”

A 32-year-old man from the Finchley also appeared at court charged with the same burglary and pleaded not guilty, he will be committed for trial later in the year.