A masked burglar who targeted elderly and vulnerable residents was yesterday (Thursday 28 May) jailed for six years after his DNA was found on a top he left behind at one of the break-ins.
Among Matthew Moore’s victims was a man in his 70s who was terrified when he encountered the 35-year-old in his home wearing a clown mask.
Moore also burgled the home of another man in his 70s who he had previously done gardening work for, leaving the man with bruising to his face in a scuffle as he stole his wallet. Often wearing a ski mask or other face coverings, Moore stole cash, jewellery, electrical items and even a car in seven raids over two months in Shard End and Chelmsley Wood.
But he is now starting a six-year jail term after officers found a hooded top left at one of the burgled homes had his DNA on it. Clothes, trainers and a red-handled screwdriver seized when he was arrested also matched those seen in CCTV footage captured at some of the burglaries.
When Moore was arrested at his home in Barlands Croft, Shard End, face coverings, including a skull mask, were found lying near where he lay along with the red-handled screwdriver. Moore admitted in police interview to the offences between 30 January and 30 March, and told officers that he was driven by his addiction to drugs.
Moore, who is unemployed, pleaded guilty to six charges of burglary, one attempted burglary and one theft of a vehicle, when he appeared at Birmingham Crown Court. DC Karen Kirman of Force CID, said: “These were all frightening offences against the elderly and vulnerable in their own homes, mainly in the middle of the night, and Moore often went in with his face covered up.
“He was a prolific offender and all his victims have been deeply affected by what has happened to them.
“But we hope that this sentence will bring them some comfort from knowing that he is now behind bars.”