Serial burglars sentenced to twenty months in prison for thefts throughout Redbridge

Two thieves arrested a mere 150 metres away from a house they burgled have been sentenced to 20 months in prison, following an investigation which linked them to multiple offences in Redbridge.

On the evening of Sunday, 15 December officers responded to a break-in on Mansted Gardens, Chadwell Heath. In just half an hour, the responding officers blocked off escape routes, forcing the offenders to flee onto the High Road. This resulted in a chase on foot which ended with the pair in handcuffs.

Upon searching the suspects, officers found two gold rings, two gold bangles and three gold necklaces, which were missing from the property.

Further enquiries then enabled officers to place the two men at the scene of other break-ins, including an incident at a different address on Mansted Gardens, where a safe containing £25,000 worth of gold and £3,000 cash was stolen.

Geani Bogonos, aged 42 (18.05.82) of Freshwell Avenue, Chadwell Health and Vasile Filip, aged 26 (31.08.98) of Southend Road, East Ham were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, 3 February after pleading guilty at their first appearance hearing.

PC David Izard, who was the officer in charge of the investigation, said:

“Burglaries are a huge intrusion of privacy and have a lasting impact on communities. As highlighted here, our officers responded at speed and showed real bravery to track, chase and detain the suspects.

“The team then conducted a thorough investigation which showed Bogonos and Filip to be serial offenders – and ultimately led to them being taken off our streets.

“This is all part of the Met’s ongoing response to burglary. Our local community policing teams continue to conduct patrols in hot spot areas to provide a high visibility presence as well as crime prevention advice. If you do have any concerns please speak to officers or contact your local team, details of which are available via our website.”

Bogonos was convicted of two burglaries, with a further three offences taken into consideration. Filip was convicted of one burglary with three further offences taken into consideration. All offences taken into account occurred throughout Redbridge between October and November 2024.