Burglary gang jailed after armed police arrest (From Croydon Guardian)

Thornton Heath men among burglary gang jailed after armed police arrest

12:00pm Wednesday 14th December 2011 in Your Say By Hannah Williamson

A gang who were arrested by armed officers attempting to burgle a house have been jailed for more than 12 years.

Eustace McKenzie, 21, of Melfort Road, Thornton Heath, was jailed for two and a half years after pleading guilty to attempted burglary.

A charge of conspiracy to commit burglary was ordered to remain on file by the court, at the hearing on December 9.

McKenzie was arrested in Woodlands Road, Bickley, with three other men as part of a pre-planned police operation by armed officers on August 5.

The group were arrested as they left the vehicle they were travelling in a Vauxhall Zafira stolen from North London in late July, and attempted to enter the property.

McKenzie's accomplices James Davidian, Roland Malcolm and Deon Smith, all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary at Croydon Crown Court on November 4.

Davidian, also known as David Meer, 21, of Hounslow, and Malcolm, 33, were both jailed for three years and four months. Smith, of Bridport Road, Thornton Heath, was jailed for three years.

DC Andy Innes, from Bromley Police's Burglary Squad, said: "This was an excellent team effort involving Bromley Police and the MPS Flying Squad and has led to four dangerous men being taken off the streets of Bromley.

"Bromley Police use many tactics to target burglars and all offenders should look at these men and think twice before committing crime in Bromley."