A "prolific burglar" admitted a further 14 offences after a major police man-hunt tracked him down.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday (June 29) Michael Raviraj, of West Drayton, Hillingdon, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary at an earlier hearing.

The 30-year-old admitted a further 14 burglaries, which were taken into consideration by the court when passing sentence.

In April officers from Redbridge's Proactive Unit began an intense search for Raviraj, after he was identified by CCTV evidence for burglary offences in the Woodford area.

On Thursday (May 21) at around 6.10am when officers attended an address in Falling Lane, West Drayton - Raviraj attempted to escape via the back window.

Upon seeing officers he gave himself up and was subsequently arrested, the court heard.

Various items were seized from the property, including clothing worn during the burglaries and he charged with four counts of burglary.

  • The first charged offence occurred on February 28 in Blenheim Court, Navestock Crescent, Woodford. The court heard Raviraj forced his way into the property and stole a number of electrical goods.
  • The second happened on March 13 in Lambourne Court, Navestock Crescent, Woodford, when Raviraj again forced his way into the property and stole an iPad.
  • The third took place on March 17 in Lambourne Court, Navestock Crescent, Woodford, where computer equipment was stolen
  • The final one occurred on April 21 in Zeus Court, West Drayton. Once inside Raviraj stole a camera, laptop, watch and jewellery.

Sergeant Matt Taylor said: "I am pleased with this sentence and can only hope that residents will be reassured Raviraj will be off the streets for some time."

Detective Sergeant Brett Hagen, from the forensic conversion team, praised the "excellent man-hunt" by Sgt Taylor and his team to track down this "prolific offender".

DS Hagen added: "The sentence of four years is a true reflection of the gravity of his crime spree.

"An excellent and thorough investigation by Detective Constable Andy Revell and my team means numerous victims now have closure on intrusive burglary crimes."