Two men have been sentenced after they burgled eleven homes.

An uncle and nephew, who burgled the homes of elderly and vulnerable residents across Surrey, Hampshire and south-west London, have been jailed for a combined total of 16 years.

The offenders frequently targeted care homes, assisted living accommodation and the homes of vulnerable adults, forcing entry and stealing cash, jewellery and other valuables. They would use pillowcases taken from victims’ beds to carry stolen property from the premises before discarding them nearby.

On 12 December 2024, the pair forced entry into an independent living home for over-55s in Chertsey and entered the room of a resident while they slept in an armchair. They then searched the room and stole £130 in cash, jewellery and a number of sentimental items, including World War One medals.

Unbeknown to the youngest of the offenders, CCTV cameras captured him inside the property, and despite wearing a face covering, specialist enquiries enabled officers to identify him, providing a significant breakthrough in the investigation.

As the investigation progressed at pace, officers worked closely with neighbouring forces and were able to link the pair to a further 10 burglaries across counties. Further CCTV footage and additional enquiries later led to the identification of the second offender.

Footage revealed how the pair would brazenly force entry into properties undeterred when they were still occupied by residents. When challenged by residents, they would falsely claim to be police officers responding to a disturbance. In one incident captured on CCTV at a property in Harrow, one of the offenders told a distressed resident he was a police officer while the second offender searched the property for items to steal.

The offenders frequently stole a range of items including jewellery, purses and cash. On one occasion at an address in Farnborough, they stole more than £1,000 which had been collected as part of a donation fundraiser on behalf of residents at the accommodation.

At another address in Farnborough, the pair took two pillowcases from a victim’s bed and filled them with watches, perfume, jewellery and a camera before leaving the scene.

The pair were arrested in January 2025.

They were both sentenced at Guildford Crown Court as follows:

• John Cawley, 49 (DOB: 22/04/1977) from Hackney, was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment, reduced to nine years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to burgle.

• Billy O’Donoghue, 23 (DOB: 09/03/2003) from Harrow, was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment, reduced to seven years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to burgle.

Investigating officer PC Daniel Edwards said: “These offenders deliberately targeted elderly and vulnerable people, often entering their homes while they were inside and stealing treasured possessions which could never be replaced.

“The impact of these offences went far beyond the financial loss. Many victims were left distressed and feeling unsafe in places where they should have felt most secure.

“Through extensive CCTV enquiries, collaboration with other forces and detailed investigative work, officers were able to identify those responsible and build a strong evidential case against them.

“I welcome the significant sentences handed down by the court and hope they provide some reassurance to the victims and their families.”