A notorious cat burglar who scaled buildings like a modern-day Spider-Man to fund his luxury lifestyle has been jailed for a sophisticated £1.2 million crime spree that targeted prestigious properties across Essex and Kent.
Liam Byrne, 32, from Essex, executed a series of daring late-night raids between November 2022 and May 2023, with his most audacious target being the Essex mansion of business tycoon and television personality Lord Alan Sugar.
The Lord Sugar Mansion Heist
In a meticulously planned operation, Byrne bypassed security measures at Lord Sugar's £15 million Brentwood estate. While the Apprentice star and his family slept upstairs, the burglar silently ransacked the property, making off with high-value jewellery and personal items of significant sentimental value.
Detective Inspector Mark Fraser of Essex Police described the intrusion as "particularly invasive," noting the psychological impact on victims who had their personal spaces violated while they slept.
The Bluewater Shopping Centre Raid
Byrne's criminal enterprise reached its peak with a breathtaking heist at the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent. Employing his climbing expertise, he accessed the roof and descended into the Watches of Switzerland store through ventilation shafts.
His haul from this single operation exceeded £1 million, consisting of 59 luxury timepieces from renowned brands including Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. The meticulous planning and execution demonstrated a level of sophistication rarely seen in retail burglaries.
The Spider-Man Technique
Investigators dubbed Byrne the "Spider-Man" burglar for his remarkable ability to scale buildings and access properties through upper floors and roofs. His method involved:
- Targeting high-end residential and commercial properties
- Conducting extensive reconnaissance before strikes
- Using climbing skills to bypass ground-level security
- Operating during late-night hours when properties were occupied but residents were asleep
Justice Served at Chelmsford Crown Court
Byrne's criminal campaign ended when forensic evidence and thorough detective work led to his arrest. At Chelmsford Crown Court, he received a six-year and four-month sentence after admitting to three counts of burglary.
Detective Inspector Fraser emphasised the significance of the sentence: "This wasn't opportunistic crime—this was a sophisticated operation targeting high-value goods. The sentence reflects the seriousness of his offences and the trauma inflicted on his victims."
The investigation continues as authorities work to recover the stolen items and return them to their rightful owners.
