How Sutton Coldfield burglar who stole from pensioners was caught

A man who broke into the homes of two pensioners and swiped a collection of jewellery has been jailed after he was traced from a smear of blood.

Neil Millichamp smashed his way into a home in Sutton Coldfield between 17-24 September last year while the 73-year-old victim was on holiday.

He took a large amount of jewellery but crucially cut his hand on a shard of glass and police found a smear of blood on a bedroom door handle that returned a DNA hit to Millichamp. Officers tried arresting the 48-year-old from his home on 21 October.

He wasn’t there – but a search of the address revealed stolen items plus more jewellery and foreign currency that the force traced to another burglary in Sutton Coldfield that took place earlier that day.

The force then issued an image of Millichamp in a bid to get information from the public on his whereabouts. He managed to lie low for three months but was caught on 3 February when traffic cops spotted him in Asquith Road, Birmingham. Millichamp tried running off but was chased down and arrested.

He went on to admit two counts of burglary and at Birmingham Crown Court on 4 March was jailed for three-and-a-half years.

The sentimental jewellery has also been recovered – including some belonging to the late wife of one victim – which will be returned to the rightful owner.

What did police say?

Detective Constable Jennifer Horobin ran the investigation. She said: “These were really upsetting offences against elderly residents. It’s awful to think someone has been in your home, rummaging through your property, and stealing treasured items.

“It’s always pleasing when you catch an offender and see them jailed for the misery they’ve caused – but even more so in cases like this when we’re able to reunite victims with sentimental items.

”Millichamp is a prolific burglar and has offences to his name stretching back many years. Residents are safer now that he is behind bars.”

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