Video doorbell used to nab prolific burglars: Sentenced at Southwark Crown Court

Two prolific burglars have been jailed for a combined total of 14-and-a-half years after they were tracked down by officers who identified them via a resident’s video doorbell.

Steve Dillon, 52, of no fixed abode, and Schaka Powell, 43, of Canterbury Terrace, Kilburn, were sentenced at Southwark Crown Court last Thursday, having pleaded guilty to multiple counts of burglary and attempted burglary at an earlier hearing.

Dillon received eight years and Powell was sentenced to six-and-a-half years.

The court heard that the pair carried out burglaries at residential addresses across London, with Dillon committing the burglaries, and Powell lying in wait as a getaway driver.

The pair struck at 11 residences in total from February to April this year, stealing cash, jewellery, electronics and designer goods, as well as items of great sentimental value to the victims who would return home to find their homes ransacked.

During one attempted burglary in Abbey Gardens, St John’s Wood, on Monday, April 1, the victim’s video doorbell captured a man approaching the front door.

The victim was alerted by her video doorbell and saw the man pushing the door and attempting to gain entry before leaving in a waiting vehicle.

That man was later identified as Dillon.

Officers from the Westminster Crime Squad launched an investigation, capturing forensic and CCTV evidence which identified the pair as the men responsible.

Dillon and Powell were arrested on Tuesday, April 9, as they sat in their getaway car together.

In the boot of the vehicle was a blue holdall and a red suitcase, both stolen during the series of offences.

The pair were charged the following day and remanded in custody.

Detective Constable Ben Baker, said: “Dillon and Powell were prolific offenders targeting households across London without regard for the consequences of their criminality.

“They stole high value and sentimental items causing great distress to their victims.

I am pleased with the results from court and the sentence which reflects the seriousness of their offending.

“I hope that this case demonstrates the commitment of the police to bring burglars to justice.”