Serial Burglar Jailed After “Waiting So Long” Police Confession

A serial burglar who broke into homes across Cardiff, stealing costume jewellery and using victims’ bank cards, has been jailed for four years after telling arresting officers: “I’ve been waiting so f****** long for this, you didn’t take any notice.”

Mark Burnell, 44, of no fixed abode, carried out a spree of burglaries between December 2024 and January 2025, targeting properties in Cardiff where he stole personal items including insulin, cash, and a £300 golfing watch.

Cardiff Crown Court heard on Tuesday how Burnell’s first victim had her handbag stolen on 29th December, containing her insulin, purse, bank cards, £20 cash, bus pass and photographs of her late husband. Her son later discovered over £100 worth of transactions had been made using her stolen bank card.

Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told the court Burnell was identified through CCTV footage showing him making the fraudulent purchases.

On 4th January, CCTV captured Burnell attempting to break into houses on Rhiwbina Hill and trying car doors on driveways. Two days later, he successfully burgled a home on Llantrisant Road, stealing a blue jewellery case containing £100 worth of costume jewellery, the valuable golfing watch, and garage keys.

His final attempt on 6th January saw him trying a front door in Highfields, Llandaff. When he found it locked, he was heard saying: “Oh sorry, it’s the wrong door.” The homeowner posted CCTV footage to a local Facebook group, leading to Burnell being identified.

When arrested on Gillian Road, Burnell made his remarkable confession to police. Officers seized several items including a watch and wallet.

The court heard Burnell has 27 previous convictions covering 58 theft offences, 20 fraud offences, and 15 burglary offences.

Defence barrister Gareth Williams said his client was homeless and suffering from mental health issues, describing his condition as being in “dire straits.”

Judge Shomon Khan sentenced Burnell to four years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to burglary, aggravated burglary, and fraud charges.