Burglar Jailed for High-Value Break-ins in Surrey and Hampshire After DNA Evidence Links Crime Scenes
A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to three years in prison following a series of high-value residential burglaries in Surrey and Hampshire, after forensic DNA evidence linked him to both crime scenes.
Eris Tivari, born 5 June 1996, was convicted after a joint investigation by Surrey Police and Hampshire Constabulary revealed his involvement in two burglaries earlier last year.
Family Heirlooms and War Medals Stolen
The first offence occurred on 8 February 2024 in Bramley, Surrey, where a family returned home to find their property ransacked. Among the £35,000 worth of items stolen were jewellery, watches, rings, and irreplaceable war medals.
Tivari used a pillowcase to carry the stolen goods, but inadvertently left behind blood smears on a wardrobe and the pillowcase itself. The DNA sample produced a profile, but there was no immediate match in the national database.
Weeks later, another burglary in Ewshot, Hampshire, yielded matching DNA evidence, again linking back to the same unknown offender.
Breakthrough Following Immigration Arrest
It wasn’t until seven months later that Tivari was identified, after Metropolitan Police officers arrested him for immigration offences during a routine vehicle stop. Tivari initially provided false details, but his fingerprints and DNA revealed the truth — tying him conclusively to both break-ins.
Tivari, who had no fixed address, was also wanted for burglary at the time. He was re-arrested in December 2024 after being stopped for speeding.
Guilty Pleas and Sentencing
Tivari entered guilty pleas at Guildford Crown Court on 3 March 2025 for the Surrey burglary, and at Kingston Crown Court on 15 July 2025 for the Hampshire offence. He was subsequently sentenced at Kingston Crown Court to three years’ imprisonment.
Police Praise Forensic Work
A spokesperson for Surrey Police stated:
“This case highlights the critical role forensic evidence plays in solving crimes and securing convictions. Despite his attempts to evade identification, Tivari’s DNA ultimately helped us bring justice to the victims.”
Police hope the sentencing provides closure to the victims, particularly those who lost sentimental items such as war medals.
