Burglar jailed after leaving beer can at crime scene

A burglar was caught after his DNA was found on a can of lager he left at the crime scene.

Steven Craig Vonk broke into a flat in the street where he lives in Swansea, south Wales, last month.

The 39-year-old, armed with a can of drink, ended up disturbing the homeowner during the break-in and ran off empty-handed.

Investigators swept the home for clues and found a can of Carling which did not belong to the victim.

Forensic tests later showed the can contained Vonk’s full DNA profile.

Vonk, of St Albans Rd, Brynmill, later appeared at Swansea Crown Court and was sentenced to 876 days in prison for burglary and 12 weeks from a previous suspended sentence.

Detective Inspector Mark Kavanagh said disturbing a burglar was a terrifying experience for any householder. “Fortunately in this case the victim was unharmed and no property was stolen,” he said.

“Whenever a burglary is reported we use every tool available to us to try and identify a suspect.

“Forensic technology is an important way of catching burglary suspect and, in this case, leaving behind a can of lager has resulted in us putting the suspect before the court.”