Gledis Uka, a 30-year-old Albanian national, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for a series of burglaries committed across eight English counties during winter months. Kent Police believe Uka traveled to the UK each year between October and January specifically to target homes.
Crime spree spanned two years and eight counties
Uka's burglary spree began in December 2023, when police received reports of break-ins in Edenbridge, Kent. He smashed through windows and doors to gain entry, stealing jewellery and other valuables. Forensic evidence, including his blood found at two crime scenes, linked him to the offences. Over the next two years, Uka continued his crimes in Kent, Berkshire, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Essex, London, Suffolk, and Surrey.
Detective Constable Celia King of Kent Police stated: "Uka had no remorse for his victims, smashing his way into the properties and leaving a mess before stealing sentimental items. In one of the burglaries, the victim was at home as he broke in, which would have been a terrifying ordeal for them."
Arrest after two-year investigation
Police gathered evidence linking Uka to all the burglaries, leading to his arrest in Essex on January 30, 2026. Footage shows officers swooping in on a taxi he was traveling in. He was charged the following day with 33 offences related to homes across southern England. Uka pleaded guilty to 19 offences, with two charges taken into consideration and the others remaining on file.
Det Cons King added: "This was a complex investigation which highlights the perseverance and dedication of officers for more than two years. Due to the time periods between each of the burglaries and the different locations, it was a thorough process to ensure we were able to officially connect them, via our forensic evidence, and link them to one person – Uka."
Sentencing and police response
On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Uka was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to 10 years in prison. Detectives noted that tracking Uka was complicated by his pattern of only committing crimes in England during the winter months. Det Cons King thanked the victims for their support and other police forces for their assistance, concluding: "I'm glad to see him behind bars and that years of hard work have paid off."
