A prolific burglar has been jailed for nearly two and a half years after entering a woman's home and stealing her handbag.
Daniel Melhado, of Tudor Walk, Walcot, pleaded guilty to burglary dwelling with intent to steal and fraud by false representation at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Thursday, January 16, before being sentenced on Friday, February 28.
On Monday, January 13, the 40-year-old broke into a woman's home on Devizes Road, Old Town, to steal her handbag and when she returned to the property to retrieve an item from the bag, she noticed it was gone.
Melhado, who has over 44 convictions for 103 offences which have been stacking up since 1998, then brazenly walked around the high street with the handbag, which contained the woman's phone, bank cards and euros.
The victim then went to a local restaurant and asked staff for CCTV footage, which showed Melhado walking into an off-licence to use her bank cards.
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Police were then able to identify the defendant from further CCTV footage captured around the area and he was arrested.
During his police interview, he claimed a male called Jay gave him the bank card before changing the name and denying he had committed the burglary.
Melhado’s last conviction was in 2022 for similar burglary and fraud offences and he has admitted he is a drug addict and commits these crimes to fund the habit.
In 2019, he was jailed for 28 months for burglary, theft and fraud but reoffended a short time after his release, later failing to attend court or surrender to arrest.
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On February 28, Melhado was sentenced to two years and five months in prison and he must also pay a surcharge of £228.
PC Charlie Forster said, "Melhado is a prolific burglar who has been sentenced to a significant time in prison due to his actions. He waited to see when the victim had left their address and then targeted it, knowing he could get in and steal items from within.
"This case was well supported by the public, which has ultimately helped us gather all the evidence to bring a prosecution against Melhado.
"Being burgled can have a devastating impact on victims, leaving them feeling vulnerable in their own homes. I hope that Melhado’s arrest, charge, and sentencing show how dedicated we are to taking burglars off the streets and helping to ensure the residents of Swindon and Wiltshire’s homes are safe.”
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