An Albanian national has been sentenced to ten years in prison for carrying out a series of burglaries across the United Kingdom. Gedis Uka, 30, is believed to have traveled to Britain each winter between October and January over a two-year period to commit crimes.
Police arrested Uka in a taxi following an investigation that spanned more than two years. The probe connected Uka to a spate of burglaries where homes were targeted across eight counties in the South of England, including Berkshire, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Kent, London, Suffolk, and Surrey.
According to Kent Police, Uka would force entry by smashing windows and doors. Forensic evidence, including blood found at two homes in Edenbridge, Kent in December 2023, helped investigators link the crimes. Jewellery was stolen from these properties. Similar incidents, involving forced entry, were reported in the Edenbridge and Sevenoaks areas over the following two years until November 2025.
Uka was charged with 33 offenses related to the burglaries and pleaded guilty to 19, which were accepted by the court. On Tuesday, he was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court.
Detective Constable Celia King described the investigation as complex, highlighting the perseverance of officers over more than two years. She noted the challenges in connecting burglaries that occurred at different times and locations, emphasizing the role of forensic evidence in linking them to Uka. King added that tracking Uka was difficult as he was believed to operate only during the winter months.
King stated that Uka showed no remorse, causing damage to properties and stealing sentimental items. In one instance, a victim was at home during a burglary, which she described as a terrifying ordeal. The detective thanked the victims for their support and other police forces for their assistance, expressing satisfaction that Uka is now incarcerated following extensive police work.