DNA found on a can of Red Bull brought about the end of a Widnes man’s jewellery stealing crimewave.
Stuart Devany, of Chorleys Lane, has been locked up following a series of high-value burglaries across Merseyside in 2023.
It was estimated that around £42,000 worth of jewellery and cash was taken during the burglaries by the 59-year-old.
The homes of Asian families were targeted in Huyton, Wavertree, Mossley Hill and Allerton in September and October last year.
Officers from Merseyside Police’s burglary team, under Operation Castle, were able to identify a stolen Vauxhall Vivaro van which was used in all the burglaries, and CCTV inquiries showed Devany as the driver.
The van was later recovered in Manchester, and inside the vehicle was an empty can of Red Bull.
Following a forensic examination of the can, there was a DNA match to Devany, and he was subsequently arrested and charged.
He pleaded guilty to six counts of burglary and was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to six years and five months in prison.
The sentence was welcomed by DI Kevin O’Rourke, who said: “Devany was a particularly callous burglar.
“He specifically targeted the homes of individuals and families who he suspected had high-value jewellery.
“These burglaries had a huge impact on the victims, and it is pleasing to see that Devany now has plenty of time to reflect on his actions in prison.”
Police advise those with high-value jewellery and other expensive gold items in their home to ensure it is stored securely, or better still, to keep it in a safe deposit box.
It is particularly important that the advice reaches members of the Asian community, who may follow the tradition of giving gold jewellery as a gift and passing it down to family generations.
DI O’Rourke added: “Burglary is a very personal crime, and having pieces of jewellery stolen that are of enormous sentimental value can be distressing for the victims.
“It is rare for members of the Asian community to be targeted in this way, but some burglars will take advantage of cultural traditions and aim to steal a family’s gold.
“If you do keep valuable jewellery or large amounts of cash in your home, please take steps to secure it properly.
“Simply attempting to hide jewellery or cash is not enough, as no matter how well you think you have hidden it, a determined burglar will search high and low for your treasured possessions.
“We are committed to pursuing the offenders of these crimes, and the support of our communities is vital in helping us put burglars behind bars.
“We regularly act on information from the public, so please come forward if you know anything about suspected burglary and the sale of stolen goods where you are.”
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