An Albanian man who travelled to the UK each winter to burgle homes across eight counties has been jailed for 10 years. Gledis Uka, 30, smashed through windows and doors to steal from properties in Kent, Berkshire, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Essex, London, Suffolk and Surrey.
Kent Police said Uka's burglaries took place between October and January each year. In one incident, the victim was at home as he broke in, causing a 'terrifying ordeal'. Forensic evidence, including Uka's blood, linked him to multiple crime scenes.
The investigation lasted more than two years, culminating in Uka's arrest in a taxi in Essex on 30 January. He was charged the following day with 33 offences, later pleading guilty to 19.
Detective Constable Celia King said: 'Uka had no remorse for his victims, smashing his way into the properties and leaving a mess before stealing sentimental items.' She added that the case was complex due to the timing and locations of the burglaries.
Uka was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on 14 July. Two further charges were taken into consideration, and the others remain on file. Detective Constable King concluded: 'I'm glad to see him behind bars and that years of hard work have paid off.'
