Brighton lie detector test could have prevented theft

A Brighton lie detector test could have prevented thefts when Derek Antwi was found guilty of multiple thefts and crimes.

The crimes

A prolific Brighton and Hove burglar has been jailed after admitting a string of theft offences.

Derek Antwi, 29, of Upper Hollingdean Road in Brighton, pleaded guilty to a number of burglaries across the city,.

His crime scenes were typified by muddy footprints with a Nike Airforce tread. Multiple victims reported having Nike Airforce trainers stolen. This also included a pair of limited edition tan and blue Airforce 1s.

Investigators also linked Antwi’s break-ins by a pattern of entering through the back of properties..He smashed through patio doors in an untidy search for valuables.

Stolen bank cards

On Friday, December 10, police received a report of a burglary in Glendale Road. A a bank card was stolen at the scene.

CCTV footage showed Antwi riding to three local stores. He was on a bicycle stolen from another Glendale Road address. He then used the stolen bank card. The clothes Antwi wore in the footage were found in his possession when he was arrested.

On December 15, Antwi was again caught on CCTV climbing over a wall in Rothbury Road. He wore the distinctive tan and blue Nike Airforce trainers that had been reported stolen.

A bike was stolen from Rothbury Road, and the trainers were found at Antwi’s house when he was arrested.

Threatening to stab Brighton victims

 The following day, December 16, Antwi threatened to stab two residents of Silverdale Road. He threated them after they disturbed him stealing two bicycles from their shed.

On January 10, Antwi was chased away by residents of a property in Stanford Road. He had stolen some trainers from a front doorstep and burgled a property next door. The incident was once again captured on CCTV, where Antwi was shown to be wearing clothes stolen from one of the houses.

Antwi was arrested on January 18 following a report of two bikes worth £6,500 being stolen from a garage in Westbourne Gardens.

When Antwi was arrested shortly after, he had a receipt from a pawnbrokers in his pocket showing he had sold one of the bikes for just £120. He still had the cash.

The charges

He was charged with three counts of burglary, one count of robbery, three counts of fraud, one count of theft of a pedal cycle, two counts of theft from a person and two counts of handling stolen goods.

He pleaded guilty to all charges except one burglary and one count of handling stolen goods, which will lie on file.

At Lewes Crown Court on Thursday, May 19, Antwi was jailed for six years.

Investigator Rose Horan said: “Derek Antwi is a committed criminal who was relentless in his offending across Brighton and Hove.

“His crimes caused financial damage to his victims, violated their personal spaces and in some cases resulted in direct threats to their safety.

“Our investigative team were able to spot similarities in the modus operandi of several break-ins and conclude this series was being carried out by one individual.

“Assisted by an overwhelming amount of evidence linked to Antwi – which ultimately helped secure the guilty pleas – we were able to identify a suspect, bring him into custody and take him off the streets.

“I would like to thank all of the victims for their support in this investigation and everybody involved who helped to bring this conviction.”

How a lie detector test could have helped

In conclusion, a lie detector test in this case could have proven Antwi guilty when arrested for his earlier crimes. Therefore, resulting in a reduced amount of his thefts. Adding a lie detector test at interrogation stages results in police having an extra indicator when making a decision on whether a suspect is guilty or not. The added scientific test means police have more evidence and facts to take into their final opinion and charges.

If you suspect someone you know is guilty of committing a fraudulent crime or is a potential victim of fraud then book a lie detector test online today. You can also call us on our free helpline on 07572 748364.

We provide confidential office appointments and home tests throughout the South East.