CCTV Could Provide Key to Catching Wimbledon Prowler

A cunning cat burglar who has evaded the clutches of the law for over two years has been caught on CCTV striking again in a Parkside home by Wimbledon late last year. The man, nicknamed the ‘Wimbledon prowler’ (or the ‘fisherman hat burglar’ by some less word-savvy media outlets) has struck more than 20 times in the last four months and over 200 times in a ten-year-period.

Caught on Candid Camera

The elusive burglar was snapped throwing a 45kg safe out of the upper window of the Parkside house, before skulking stealthily across the grass to retrieve it moments later. He is believed to have made off with £100,000 worth of jewellery and gold doubloons inside the safe, adding to the estimated £10 million of stolen booty he has carted off in his entire career.

His latest break-in is believed to be as recent as Friday 11^th March, meaning that the culprit is still very much at large. However, having released the footage and some computer-enhanced images gleaned from the video, police are hopeful these clues will lead to his imminent arrest. He is pictured here wearing a cunning disguise which falls somewhere between Eminem and the bad guy in ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’:

The man has a history of targeting celebrities and famously-rich individuals. In the past, he has ransacked the homes of both Boris Becker and Nicolas Anelka, with the former French international footballer actually coming face to face with the intruder. Unfortunately, Anelka’s retirement and subsequent lack of match fitness meant that the scamp outran him in a footrace.

Police Bullish about Apprehending the Suspect

The detective in charge of the case, DI Dan O’Sullivan, was optimistic about the forces’ chances of catching the victim in the near future.

“We are renewing appeals and asking for the public’s help in identifying this man so that we can bring him to justice and bring his crime spree to an immediate halt,” he said.

“Someone must recognise this man and his distinctive clothing. He clearly spends a significant amount of time away from home in the early hours, something which cannot go unnoticed by his family and friends. Do you know anyone who fits this profile?”

Anyone with any information about the suspect are urged to call Merton Police on 020 8649 3155 or alternatively, get in touch with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. All calls will be treated anonymously. Failing that, DI O’Sullivan has one more ace up his sleeve which is sure to catch the thief:

“I might have to ask him to hand himself in.”

Secure Your Own Home

Though the ‘fisherman hat burglar’ has confined himself largely to southwest London up to this point, you can never be too careful when it comes to taking precautions with home security.

Your alarms system is the first line of defence against any potential robbery – make sure yours is up to scratch by contacting Blackburn Arms and talking to one of our friendly, experienced team about your options.