Albanian serial burglar who returned to Britain each winter to steal from more victims is jailed for ten years

Published: 23:32, 15 July 2026 | Updated: 23:33, 15 July 2026 An Albanian burglar who smashed into almost a dozen homes across the UK and stole from them has been jailed for ten years. Gedis Uka, 30, is believed to have travelled to the UK each winter between October and January to steal from properties across eight counties in the south of England. Police charged into a taxi Uka was travelling in and arrested him on the spot following a two year probe into his crimes. He was captured on CCTV wearing a mask and breaking into homes as well as fleeing from them through the back. In one clip, he was seen trying to gain access to a house but became startled when lights came on.   Uka would smash windows and doors to gain entry to the houses, according to Kent Police. Blood had been found at two homes in Edenbridge, Kent in December 2023 and jewellery was stolen from both the houses. Over the next two years until November 2025, multiple similar reports were received from households in the area and Sevenoaks, who were victims of robberies and also had their windows and doors being smashed in. Gedis Uka, 30, is believed to have travelled to the UK each winter between October and January to steal from properties across eight counties in the south of England Police charged into a taxi Uka was travelling in and arrested him on the spot following a two year probe into his crimes He was captured on CCTV wearing a mask and breaking into homes Uka would smash windows and doors to gain entry to the houses, according to Kent Police More blood was found at the scene. Uka also burgled homes in Berkshire, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Essex, London, Suffolk and Surrey.  He was charged with 33 offences, linked to the burglaries and pleaded guilty to 19 of them, which was accepted. On Tuesday he was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to ten years imprisonment.   Detective Constable Celia King said: 'This was a complex investigation which highlights the perseverance and dedication of officers for more than 2 years. 'Due to the time periods between each of the burglaries and the different locations, it was a thorough process to ensure we were able to officially connect them, via our forensic evidence, and link them to one person – Uka. 'Once he was identified, there were further complexities to track him down as he was only believed to be carrying out the spate of crimes in England during the winter months. 'Uka had no remorse for his victims, smashing his way into the properties and leaving a mess before stealing sentimental items.  In one of the burglaries, the victim was at home as he broke in which would have been a terrifying ordeal for them. I'd like to thank the victims, from all over the country, for their support throughout this investigation and the other police forces for their assistance. 'I'm glad to see him behind bars and that years of hard work has paid off.'