Burglar jailed after leaving DNA at crime scenes across 5 counties

A burglar who targeted high-value properties has been jailed after detectives recovered his DNA from a bottle of antibacterial spray he used to clean a scene.

Dionis Doku stole designer bags and luxury jewellery worth more than half a million pounds from 9 properties across Kent, London, Buckinghamshire and Surrey.

At around 7.30pm on 13 October 2025, Doku scaled the drainpipe of a property near Pillar Box Lane in Seal, near Sevenoaks.

He entered the home via the first-floor balcony, leaving DNA from a glove mark on the window, and emptied 4 jewellery boxes while the homeowner was in the kitchen downstairs.

Less than a month later, on the evening of 5 November, he climbed into the bathroom window of an address near Plurenden Road in Ashford, via the conservatory roof.

The victim was home alone when she heard footsteps upstairs and called police, but not before Doku had escaped with jewellery, cash, and handbags worth £221,438, leaving behind forensic evidence on the handle of a safe cupboard.

Officers investigating the crime series quickly identified opportunities to collect this forensic evidence.

The DNA found did not identify a suspect on police databases but did match from scene to scene at the burglaries in Kent, as well as to 6 others in neighbouring counties.

This included a match to DNA found on the trigger of an antibacterial spray bottle at an address in Putney, London.

On 11 February 2026, Doku burgled a house near the B389 Christchurch Road in Virginia Water, Surrey. Colleagues from Surrey Police identified a car which was forensically linked to the burglar.

Further enquiries, including a review of Automatic Number Plate Recognition data, saw officers track the vehicle to Ealing Broadway in London.

While visiting the area to collect available CCTV, patrols spotted Doku at a bus stop on Uxbridge Road and arrested him.

The 45 year old, of no fixed address, was later charged with nine counts of burglary.

The Albanian national pleaded guilty to all offences at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court and was remanded in custody.

One victim, speaking to the court, explained the impact of Doku's offending on her young family:

'I have two children who still have sleepless nights. They will not go into any room as they are too scared to be alone. We lost items of great sentimental value, which we cannot get back. We only moved into this house 6 months before the incident. This should have been a time of excitement and happiness, but it has been ruined by what he has done.'

Another victim said:

'I am now in fear of staying in my own home and no amount of counselling would help me forget how I feel or what I have witnessed. My home is something l have worked hard for, a family home in the true sense of the word, it was a sanctuary from the outside world, somewhere my family have shared countless happy memories but now a place of fear and violation.'

At Harrow Crown Court on Tuesday 3 November, Doku was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months’ imprisonment.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Leo Graham, said:

'Kent Police officers relentlessly pursued Doku, liaising with colleagues in neighbouring forces, partner agencies, and international organisations to seek justice for his numerous victims. 'The investigation was a success thanks to lateral thinking and excellent teamwork from all those involved. 'I would like to thank the victims for their continued support and hope that they seek some comfort knowing that Doku will be under lock and key for a very long time.'