Commercial Property Burglars Jailed - Growing Problem For Offices

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01 June 2018

Two prolific burglars who targeted offices in the City of London are now behind bars. The two offenders separately targeted numerous premises. 

On Tuesday May 22, Richard Tobin, 48, of Weston Street, Southwark received 32 months for four counts of burglary, one count of attempted burglary and one count of racially aggravated public order after he abused a security guard who witnessed him trying to break into a property.

Terry Sawyers, 39, of William Morley Close (E6), Newham, was sentenced to 16 months in prison on 18 April 2018 after pleading guilty to two counts of burglary.

Notorious offenders

Both men specifically targeted multi-occupancy buildings and once in the premises, attempted to force open numerous doors of different offices through unsophisticated methods which were captured on CCTV.

To highlight how strong security measures can protect businesses from break-ins, the City of London Police have released some of this footage. The videos they have released show Sawyer both succeeding and failing to gain entry to an office.

Burglar tactics and advice

Officers from the City of London Police’s burglary team are warning local businesses that the main methods of entry being used by criminals are targeting insecure or weak entry points; forcing open magnetic lock doors; tailgating (when criminals follow staff into secure areas); or a combination of all three.

They are advising businesses that magnetic doors should only be used as an access control measure when the office is occupied with additional security needed out of hours and encouraging staff to challenge anyone trying to gain access to the building who they do not recognise.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Ball of the City of London Police said: “The City of London Police are committed to tackling burglary and theft and prosecuting those responsible. We would encourage all types of premises in the City to work with us to achieve this aim and take any precautions they can to prevent themselves falling victim to crime.

“While some of our crime prevention advice may seem obvious, it is essential businesses don’t become complacent. Simple things like regularly testing security doors to check the magnets or locks haven’t worn can make a big difference, as well as checking CCTV cameras are functional so if a burglar is successful, we have a way of identifying them.”

Picture: Right Tobin and Left Sawyers.

Article written by Brian Shillibeer | Published 01 June 2018

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