Serial burglar who was arrested in Plaistow is jailed

Michal Gut, 30, of Third Avenue, Shepherds Bush, pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary and two attempted burglaries between January 2013 and November 2014.

The burglar, who was responsible for stealing property worth in the region of £80,000, was sentenced to two years imprisonment at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday.

Gut was arrested in Plaistow in February following an investigation into a linked series of burglaries in Hammersmith and Fulham, Newham and Kent.

One of the properties he attempted to burgle was in Forest Drive, Manor Park, in October 2013.

Gut was arrested after his DNA was discovered on discarded Polish lager cans, called “Okocim Mocne” and that were left in two gardens at properties he had burgled.

A search of the address where he lived in Newham, at the time of his arrest, uncovered more than 100 stolen items he had accumulated during the burglaries.

This included PlayStation consoles, video cameras, high value pens and items of jewellery.

All four burglaries occurred at properties that were unoccupied, with Gut forcing an entry through rear doors or entering via open windows.

On two occasions, Gut fled empty-handed after being disturbed by occupants who were inside their property.

Detective Constable Robert Rodak, of the Priority Crime Unit in Hammersmith and Fulham, said: “Fortunately for the victims in this matter we have been able to reunite them with a majority of the stolen property, some of which holds significant sentimental value. One cufflink collection alone that Gut stole is worth approximately £1,200.

“With support from our colleagues at Newham borough, we gathered strong forensic evidence to present before the courts. Gut’s conviction and jail term will serve as a stark reminder to other opportunist burglars that we will use every resource to bring them to justice. Furthermore we will make every effort to recover and restore stolen goods to their rightful owners.”