Glove helps to catch burglar

Wayne Pelle, aged 37, from Hilldrop Road in London was unanimously found guilty at Luton Crown Court Wednesday for the aggravated burglary of a family home in Denbigh Road, Luton on April 28, 2011.

He was sentenced to 12 years and a further two years, to run consecutively, for 9 offences of theft from various Coop Stores in Birdsfoot Lane, Luton (three charges), Wigmore Lane, Luton, Katherine Drive, Dunstable, St Dominic’s Square, Luton, Flitwick, , Lower Luton Road in Harpenden and Lowther Road in Caddington. He had previously pleaded guilty to these offences.

The Denbigh Road incident happened at 12.50am on Thursday, April 28 after four men kicked open the door of the property. They demanded money and gold before assaulting the two occupants, aged 21 and 30. Both victims suffered cuts and bruising but did not need hospital treatment.

The court heard that during the forensic search of the property officers recovered a glove which after examination revealed Pelle’s DNA profile.

The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Constable Nicole McCaffrey, said after the sentencing: “The offenders involved in the aggravated burglary were armed with an imitation firearm and knife which they used to threaten the victims before assaulting them. Both victims were put in fear for their lives and I hope the sentencing will not only give them some reassurance but will enable them to move on from this ordeal.”

She continued: “Pelle was caught after his DNA was found on a glove which officers had recovered from the scene and although Pelle has now been sentenced to a total of 14 years we are still seeking information relating to the other three men who were also responsible for the aggravated burglary.”

Anyone with information relating to the other men involved in the aggravated burglary can contact Detective Constable Nicole McCaffrey, in confidence, on 01582 394281, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011. Alternatively they can contact the independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.