A notorious burglar who preyed on elderly and vulnerable residents across west London has been sentenced to nine years in prison. Luke Connors, 23, from Northolt, was convicted of conspiracy to commit burglary and robbery after a two-week trial.
The sentence was handed down at Isleworth Crown Court on July 3, following a guilty verdict delivered on June 29.
Detective Superintendent Simon Moring of the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad praised the strong cooperation between officers and local communities in cracking the case. “Luke Connors committed violent burglaries in north and west London. By listening and working with residents, we were able to investigate, detain, and convict him for his heinous offences,” Moring said.
Connors was linked to a series of burglaries that took place between August 31 and October 28, 2022. One particularly chilling attack involved an elderly man in his 70s in Ickenham. After returning home from the pub, the man was followed by masked attackers who punched him and stabbed him with a screwdriver before stealing his vehicle’s dashcam.
Local residents, including members of Ickenham’s Neighbourhood Watch, played a crucial role by providing CCTV footage that helped police identify the criminals’ vehicle. The Flying Squad collaborated with local officers in west and north London, as well as Hertfordshire and Thames Valley police forces, to link a total of 11 burglaries.
The stolen items, including cash, jewellery, and other valuables, amounted to approximately £200,000. Detectives used vehicles and stolen goods as key clues, supported by evidence gathered from neighbourhood watch teams.
A member of Ickenham Neighbourhood Watch commented on the community’s role: “Residents were understandably very nervous, afraid even of giving evidence against the perpetrators. However, we all realise that unless our communities step forward and support our police, then the criminals have won, and we descend into a state of lawlessness.”
The extensive investigation involved reviewing CCTV footage, analysing ANPR data, and conducting surveillance operations. Connors was arrested in Paddington Green on November 1 and charged. Two other individuals arrested alongside him are currently awaiting trial.
The strong community spirit combined with effective police teamwork successfully dismantled this crime gang and delivered justice for some of west London’s most vulnerable residents.
Originally published by UKNIP.
