Bungling burglar caught by DNA

A bungling burglar has been jailed for more than a year after leaving a glove at the scene of the crime with his DNA on.

Tinashe Wilson, 27, was wanted on recall to prison when he broke into a house in High Street, Cottenham, just before Christmas.

He gained entry to the house by breaking through the front door at just before 4pm on 19 December.

The victim returned home the following day and discovered a 45-inch Panasonic TV and a stereo amp had been stolen.

A black latex glove found at the scene was forensically tested and found to contain DNA matching Wilson, who has 12 previous convictions for 31 offences.

Officers later visited a house in Dolphin Close, Cambridge while searching for Wilson. He was seen in the house and tried to flee out the back door but was unsuccessful.

A search of the house revealed a camouflage hooded top, which Wilson admitted was his. Inside the pocket were plastic sealed bags of class A drugs - amphetamine and cocaine.

A mobile phone, which was thrown into the neighbouring garden, was also recovered.

Wilson was arrested but in police interview, answered no comment to all questions asked by officers.

Wilson, of Wadloes Road, Cambridge, pleaded guilty to burglary and possession of cocaine and amphetamine.

He was sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday (15 August) where he was handed one year and four months in prison.

DC Zoe Bramley, who investigated, said: “Coming home to find your home broken into and that you are a victim of burglary is the stuff of nightmares.

“Thanks to the vital work of our forensics teams, we were able to place Wilson at the scene and link him to the crime.

“Burglary can have a devastating impact on victims, which is why tackling it is one of our priorities. As this case highlights, we are working hard every day to bring offenders before the courts."

For burglary prevention advice, visit the force’s dedicated web pages.