Burglar caught on camera is jailed

A prolific burglar who was caught on CCTV using a stolen bank card in a casino has been jailed for more than three years.

Dean Cullen, 40, of Biscot Road, Luton, was sentenced after he pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary, both of which took place in Luton in October last year.

In the first offence, Cullen used a downstairs window to gain entry to a property in Guildfold Street, where he stole a bank card and several other high-value items, including a laptop and a pair of designer sunglasses.

The victim, who was staying in London at the time, received a text message from her bank requesting a fraud check after a £40 purchase was made with her card at a Luton casino located a few miles away from her address.

Officers from Bedfordshire Police's specialist burglary team, Op Maze, were able to link Cullen to the crime after recognising him in CCTV footage using the stolen card.

Cullen was then arrested at the scene of a bakery break in on Dallow Road and a search revealed he had taken around £400 from the cash register.

Cullen also admitted to a further burglary offence to officers while in custody, during which he stole a number of electrical items. This was taken into consideration and Cullen was sentenced to three years and four months in prison at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday 24 January.

Detective Constable Jason Wheeler, investigating, said: "Cullen is a persistent offender who showed no regard for the victims of his crimes.

"Victims often experience not only financial loss, but also considerable stress and anxiety as a result of having their homes invaded and personal items stolen.

"Our team is firmly committed to removing offenders from causing harm in our communities and ensuring that victims get the support and closure they deserve."

Further advice on keeping your home safe from burglary are available via the Bedfordshire Police website at https://www.beds.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/