Manhunt for terrifying ‘Night Watcher’ burglar
A major police operation has been launched to catch a rogue military man dubbed the ‘Night Watcher’ after a series of violent robberies at luxury homes.
Victims were bound with cable ties, struck in the face and threatened with a shotgun in each of the seven raids across the South East, including Maidstone and Sevenoaks. Other crimes have happened in Surrey, Berkshire and Sussex.
Jewellery and heirlooms worth more than £1 million were stolen and police are hunting a man they believe has served in the army.
In January 2017, the suspect struck at an address in Boughton Monchelsea during which he assaulted a woman and tied her up before threatening her with a gun and making off with jewellery.
An identical incident took place at a property in the Sundridge area of Sevenoaks, two months before.
Detectives believe the man responsible, who is said to watch houses for weeks at a time before striking under the cover of darkness, may have specialist military skills.
Operation Prometheus was launched by Surrey Police on Tuesday, in an attempt to track the raider down before he strikes again.
Detective Inspector Dee Fielding, who is leading the investigation, revealed officers in Kent first linked the raids.
She said: “It was Kent Police which had put out the original information to other forces and realised there had been similar offences across the country.
“Each of the offences is being individually investigated by the forces.”
Officers believe the culprit might be ex-services due to his levels of preparation and his commanding nature when committing the crimes.
DI Fielding said: “Each of these burglaries have been extremely distressing for the victims involved.
“We do not believe this to be the work of an opportunist burglar, but someone who has specialist knowledge and skills – possibly ex-forces or from a similar background, both due to the way he has behaved and the circumstances of each incident.
“The crimes appear to be the work of someone who is confident, commanding, who knows exactly what they are doing, and who is incredibly decisive in their actions.”