Burglars jailed for targeting South Asian families in London

Clirim Ferizi has been sentenced to two years in prison and Oresti Saliaj to three years and six months for their involvement in a series of burglaries across London. The pair targeted homes belonging to South Asian families, with the belief that they would find valuable jewellery. The Metropolitan Police used Oyster card data to connect the offenders to the crimes.

Ferizi, aged 26, of Tookey Close, Harrow, received his sentence at Isleworth Crown Court on November 3. Saliaj, aged 40, of Wembley Park Drive, Brent, was sentenced at the same court on April 22. The stolen items included a Rolex watch valued at £7,000, gold earrings worth £1,500, and an antique gold and diamond ring valued at £1,200.

Barnet burglary and evidence gathering

On January 30, Saliaj and an unidentified man broke into a house on Oakleigh Park North in Barnet, stealing the Rolex watch and other valuables. Detective Sergeant Ross Smith stated that the offenders deliberately targeted families in their homes, causing significant emotional distress. He added that the investigation combined various forms of evidence, including Oyster card data, which helped establish the offenders' presence at each burglary scene.

Further incidents included a burglary on Shenley Avenue in Ruislip on February 27, where CCTV footage showed Ferizi and Saliaj travelling to the address via public transport. They were later seen returning to Ruislip Underground station, with Ferizi topping up his Oyster card before entering the station. The following day, both men forced entry into a property on Marsh Road in Harrow, although no items were reported stolen from that address.

Detective Sergeant Smith emphasised the lasting impact of burglary on victims and affirmed the police commitment to pursuing offenders. He noted that burglary rates have decreased by 6 per cent across London over the past year, attributing this to increased patrols and targeted enforcement actions.