Serial Offender Followed Victims Home Before Attacking and Stealing Their Valuables

A man who preyed on elderly victims, following them home from the city centre before violently robbing them, has been sentenced to eight years in prison at Manchester Crown Court.

Kiril Mihaylov, 30, of Hamilton Road, was found guilty of two robberies and one count of residential burglary after a meticulous investigation by Salford’s Neighbourhood Crime Team.

96-Year-Old Woman Robbed After a Day Out

The investigation began when a 96-year-old woman, who regularly travelled to the city centre for coffee with her family and friends, was attacked in her own home.

On August 1, 2024, Mihaylov followed the victim from Manchester Piccadilly Gardens onto a bus heading to her home in Little Hulton.

As soon as she entered her house, Mihaylov forcefully grabbed her necklace and ripped it from her neck before she managed to escape to a neighbour’s house to call the police.

82-Year-Old Woman Attacked in the Street

On August 26, 2024, Mihaylov targeted another elderly victim—an 82-year-old woman who was returning home after shopping in the city centre.

While walking down Trinity Way, she was suddenly punched in the stomach and pushed to the ground.

Mihaylov then ripped jewellery from her neck and earrings from her ears. Fearing for her life, she told him, “I’ll give it to you,” as he continued to snatch her valuables.

DNA swabs from the victim’s neck and ears were matched to Mihaylov in the national crime database, making him the prime suspect.

80-Year-Old Man Burgled at Knife-Point

The day after the second robbery, on August 27, an 80-year-old man in Salford returned home after shopping in the city centre, only to be burgled later that night.

At 11pm, he woke up to find that his high-value Omega watch was missing. As he searched the house, he discovered a masked intruder armed with a knife standing in his property.

The burglar—later identified as Mihaylov—calmly walked out of the house before fleeing.

Crucial Evidence Leads to Conviction

Officers investigating the crimes reviewed CCTV footage from the city centre and identified a masked suspect following the victims home.

A search of Mihaylov’s property uncovered:

• The same clothing worn during the robberies.
• A mobile phone containing photos of stolen items.
• Search history on how to sell stolen goods.
• Proof that Mihaylov had sent a stolen Omega watch to his family in Bulgaria.

Working with international law enforcement, officers intercepted the package and returned the stolen watch to its rightful owner.

Justice Served – Mihaylov Jailed for Eight Years

On March 3, 2025, Mihaylov was sentenced to eight years in prison for two counts of robbery and one count of residential burglary.

Police Condemn Mihaylov’s Actions

Detective Inspector Michael Sharples of Salford’s Neighbourhood Crime Team said:

“Mihaylov’s actions were cowardly. He systematically preyed on elderly people who were simply going about their daily lives, believing them to be easy targets.”

“These crimes were shocking. Many of the victims valued their independence, and Mihaylov’s actions left them shaken and questioning their safety.”

“We hope his conviction gives them some comfort and reassures the public that violent criminals like Mihaylov will face justice.”

Anyone with information about robberies or suspicious activity is encouraged to contact Greater Manchester Police via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.