Heartless burglar Artur Purawiec stole money from young children in Sutton Coldfield

A prolific burglar who stole from families and even children in Sutton Coldfield has been jailed.

Artur Purawiec was sent to prison on June 28 after being found guilty of seven burglaries in Birmingham and Staffordshire in 2022. One of the burglaries saw him steal jewellery, cash and other valuables, including those of young children, from a family in Sutton Coldfield.

In this burglary, which took place in April 2022, Purawiec broke in via a window which was due to be replaced. Once inside, he stole expensive jewellery and watches, along with hundreds of pounds which had been saved by the family’s children from Christmas and Birthday presents.

A steel safe, which had been screwed to the floor, had been ripped from its position and its contents stolen. West Midlands Police officers investigating were able to identify a footprint left by Purawiec, as well as a watch left at the scene which the family did not recognise. CCTV also showed him entering the garden and assessing the best entry point for the burglary.

Purawiec, 28, of no fixed address, was also identified on CCTV as a suspect in another burglary in the area. This time, valuable watches and rings were taken from the address.

Investigative work by Stechford High Harm Team officers tracked Purawiec down to Heywood in Lancashire and he was arrested a short time later by officers from Greater Manchester Police. When arrested, he was found with two watches, one of which was successfully traced back to one victim and is to be returned to his delight.

How Artur Purawiec’s crimes affected his victims

In an interview, Purawiec provided no comment and showed no remorse, and was jailed for seven years when he appeared in court last week.

In a Victim Personal Statement, one of the burglary victims spoke of the devastating impact the burglary had on her and her family. She wrote: "I have obsessed about you for days. You have awakened a paranoid, bitter beast inside me that I cannot tame.

"The watch in my safe was gifted to me by my parents and every time I put it on, it reminded me of the hard work I’d done to get my job. Luckily for you, you can turn off your emotions. You have to, to do what you did. For me, I will remain obsessing over you for years to come."