Two serial burglars, caught just 150 metres from a house they had ransacked, have been sentenced to 20 months in prison after an investigation connected them to multiple
break-ins across Redbridge.
The duo was apprehended on the evening of Sunday, December 15, after officers responded to a burglary on Mansted Gardens, Chadwell Heath. Within 30 minutes, police had sealed off escape routes, forcing the suspects onto High Road, where they were caught after a brief foot chase.
Upon their arrest, officers discovered two gold rings, two gold bangles, and three gold necklaces, all stolen from the burgled property.
Further investigations linked the men to additional burglaries, including another break-in on Mansted Gardens, where a safe containing £25,000 worth of gold and £3,000 in cash was stolen.
Geani Bogonos, 42, of Freshwell Avenue, Chadwell Heath, and Vasile Filip, 26, of Southend Road, East Ham, pleaded guilty at their first court appearance. They were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, February 3.
PC David Izard, who was the officer in charge of the investigation, said:
“Burglaries are a huge intrusion of privacy and have a lasting impact on communities. As highlighted here, our officers responded at speed and showed real bravery to track, chase and detain the suspects.
“The team then conducted a thorough investigation which showed Bogonos and Filip to be serial offenders – and ultimately led to them being taken off our streets.
“This is all part of the Met’s ongoing response to burglary. Our local community policing teams continue to conduct patrols in hot spot areas to provide a high visibility presence as well as crime prevention advice. If you do have any concerns please speak to officers or contact your local team, details of which are available via our website.”
Bogonos was convicted of two burglaries, with three additional offences considered, while Filip was convicted of one burglary with three further offences taken into account. All crimes occurred in Redbridge between October and November 2024.
Local community policing teams continue to patrol high-risk areas, offering crime prevention advice and maintaining a visible presence to deter further offences. Authorities urge residents to report any concerns via the Metropolitan Police website. Photo by Sunil060902, Wikimedia commons.
