Appeal to locate burglary suspects after Met officers arrest man in north London

Police have arrested a man following two burglaries in north London and are appealing for information and witnesses to identify outstanding suspects. The arrested man has pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary.

At around 19:00hrs on Wednesday, 20 November, police responded to a burglary at a residential address in Winnington Road, N2.

On seeing police as they left the house, a male suspect carrying a pickaxe moved towards officers. The five men then made off in a black Audi A3. Police pursued the suspects in a marked police vehicle.

In Osborne Road, N4 the suspects abandoned the Audi, which was subsequently confirmed as stolen and being driven on false number plates. One man was arrested at that location.

The other males got into another car – a black BMW 5 series – and drove off.

Stolen property from the burglary in Winnington Road was recovered inside the Audi, along with cash and jewellery from a house in Sheldon Avenue, N6 which had been burgled at around 18:00hrs that evening.

Detective Inspector Peter Fernandez, one of the senior officers investigating burglaries in north-west London, said: “I am pleased that officers were able to arrest one person, who has been convicted of burglary. Our investigation is now focused on identifying the four outstanding suspects, and I am appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.

“The four men were wearing dark clothing and driving a black BMW 5 series. Might you have seen these men or this car on Wednesday evening? If you saw anything suspicious or have any information please contact police or, to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers.

“We understand burglary is a key concern within the communities of Barnet. This arrest is part of the Met’s ongoing response to burglaries in north-west London.

"As seen here, officers will respond to incidents at pace and with courage and determination. Over the next few weeks, local Community Policing teams will be conducting additional patrols across Barnet providing a high visibility presence and offering crime prevention advice. If you do have any concerns please speak to our officers or contact your local team, details of which are available via the Met police website.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call 101, ref 6443/20nov. To remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers.

The arrested man - John Cooper, 40, (13/11/84) of Lymington Avenue, N22 - pleaded guilty at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 22 November, to two counts of burglary. He was remanded in custody. Officers await details of a date for sentencing.