Ring doorbell footage shows moment facemask-wearing burglars scout out homes before ransacking them for cash and jewellery - as pair are jailed for theft spree

Daily Mail​

6 days ago

Ring doorbell footage has shown the moment two facemask-wearing burglars scout out homes before ransacking them for cash and jewellery.
Terence O'Reilly, 23, and James Carthy, 33, carried out nine burglaries, three attempted burglaries, and a vehicle theft across Surrey, Hampshire, Kent and Sussex between August and October 2024.
O'Reilly was sentenced to eight years in prison, while Carthy was jailed for six years.
During their theft spree, the duo would first inspect their targets to check if anyone was home before snatching items from the property.
And an unnerving clip has now been released showing the thieves doing just that, with one strolling up to the front door wearing a long-sleeve top, jeans, a cap and a Covid-era mask.
Before he knocks the letter plate, he rolls his cuff over his hand, careful to prevent his fingers from touching the metal.
He also tries the door handle several times during the reconnaissance mission.
A separate video sees a man in a blue cap, black coat, black balaclava and gloves inside a property grabbing belongings while holding a spray bottle of liquid.
Pet dogs potter around in the background as the thief selects items to pinch.
Another man, sporting a face mask, cap and gloves soon joins him inside as they rummage around cupboards.
Further footage shows the moment the pair are finally arrested with O'Reilly being held up by a police dog for a sufficient amount of time for officers to catch them up, while Carthy was detained after hiding under a bridge.
Surrey Police said the offenders were caught thanks to 'car vanity' having used a distinctive modified silver Audi S3, seen in numerous CCTV clips at or close to the crime scenes.
On October 2, the vehicle attempted to escape police in Hascombe, Surrey, prompting a chase.
The pair thew a Louis Vuitton handbag, a Chanel handbag and a dirty pillowcase containing jewellery out of the window, but later ditched the car and started sprinting from officers.
O'Reilly and Carthy had discarded some of their clothes and shoes when they ran from police and even covered the inside of the Audi with bleach in a bid to cover their tracks.
When officers searched the car, they found two caps, a crowbar, a chisel, a pickaxe and a pair of Covid-style masks.
After being sentenced, they were both made subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO), which is designed to stop people from committing further crimes by setting restrictions on their behaviour.
Investigating officer DC McBain said: 'This was a challenging case of organised criminality spanning the Southeast.
'Carthy and O'Reilly showed no remorse or regard for the effects of their crimes and locking them up will prevent many more burglaries.
'I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this investigation.'