A man has pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary following a dramatic incident involving a high-speed pursuit and the discovery of stolen goods in North-West London. John Cooper, 40, of Lymington Avenue, Wood Green, appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on November 22, 2024, where he admitted to breaking into properties on Winnington Road, Highgate, and Sheldon Avenue, both on the evening of November 20.
The burglary spree began at 6 p.m. when suspects carried out a break-in at Sheldon Avenue, followed by another burglary at Winnington Road around 7 p.m. The suspects, driving a stolen black Audi A3, were spotted by police. As they attempted to flee, one of the suspects armed with a pickaxe advanced towards officers. The group then abandoned the Audi and escaped in a black BMW 5 series, leaving behind stolen items, including cash and jewellery, which were recovered from the car.
Cooper was arrested, and police are now focusing on identifying the remaining four suspects who were in the BMW. Detective Inspector Peter Fernandez, part of the investigation team, urged the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the capture of the remaining individuals. He emphasized that burglary is a significant concern for the community, and the police remain committed to addressing this issue.
Cooper has been remanded in custody, with a sentencing date pending. In response to the rise in burglaries, the Metropolitan Police are enhancing community patrols across Barnet in the coming weeks.