A couple have been jailed for stealing jewellery while viewing homes that were for sale as though they were prospective buyers.
Anil and Sukhbir Mawkin were sent to prison for burglary by a judge at Brighton Crown Court while Anil Mawkin was also jailed for fraud and perverting the course of justice.
He had tried to sabotage and derail the police investigation by smearing one of the victims and the officers who were looking into the case, an operation known as Op Pilgrim.
The couple stole valuables and sentimental items from homes in Newlands Park, Copthorne, and Church Lane, Plummers Plain, near Lower Beeding.
Sussex Police said: “A husband and wife who stole jewellery from houses listed for sale – and then launched a smear campaign against those working to bring them to justice – have been jailed.
“Anil Mawkin, 67, and Sukhbir Mawkin, 59, both pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary relating to the theft of high-value jewellery from homes near Lower Beeding and Copthorne in October and November 2023.
“The couple attended both properties under the pretence of viewing them as potential buyers but instead used the opportunity to steal valuable jewellery from inside.
“Despite providing false details to the homeowners and estate agents, they were identified and subsequently arrested. They were both charged with two counts of burglary and released on court bail.
“Between January and November 2024, while the couple were awaiting their next court hearing, police received a report from one of the burglary victims that credit cards, store cards and loans were being taken out fraudulently in their name.
“The same homeowner also reported that messages accusing him of being a paedophile had been sent to more than 100 of his professional associates from an encrypted email address and phone number.
“The messages falsely claimed to be from organisations saying the victim was under investigation by police and should be suspended from his job and one message even purported to be from a mother who said her son had been groomed by the man.
“At the same time, emails from an encrypted account were being sent to MPs, His Majesty’s Court Service, the CPS and national media outlets accusing several named police officers of misconduct and corruption.
“The emails falsely stated the officers mentioned were being investigated by the force’s Professional Standards Department for offences including tampering with evidence and lying in court.
“A total of 19 emails were sent to at least 90 separate recipients.
“An investigation by the force’s Anti-Corruption Unit linked some of the messages to a handset located in the vicinity of the Mawkins’ home address.
“The couple were arrested and a search of their property uncovered the handset in question, as well as handwritten notes referencing the officers who had been named in the false emails – officers who happened to all be involved in investigating the burglaries for which the Mawkins had been charged.
“Anil Mawkin was charged and pleaded guilty to further offences of fraud by false representation and perverting the course of justice.”
Anil and Sukhbir Mawkin, both of Peaches Close, Cheam, Sutton, appeared before Recorder Thomas Moran for sentencing at Brighton Crown Court last Thursday (5 June).
Anil Mawkin was jailed for seven years and Sukhbir Mawkin was jailed for 32 months.
The judge, Mr Recorder Moran, said that Anil Mawkin was “dishonest and so manipulative that it is impossible to tell if your remorse is genuine”.
He added that Anil Mawkin’s offending was “as disgusting and harmful as can be imagined”.
Detective Constable Will Thomas said: “Anil and Sukhbir Mawkin were trusted to enter people’s homes under the pretence of being potential buyers but instead took advantage of that position and used it as an opportunity to steal sentimental and valuable pieces of jewellery.
“Despite being arrested and charged with these burglaries, Anil Mawkin continued to offend, targeting those who were helping to build the case against him.
“The allegations contained in his messages were completely fabricated and sent with the clear intention of damaging people’s professional reputations. The emotional impact this would’ve had on those victims cannot be underestimated.
“Even though he pleaded guilty, Anil has shown no remorse for his despicable actions and I’m pleased the judge reflected the gravity of his offending with the sentence handed down today.
“This was a complex investigation into many different lines of inquiry and I would like to recognise the hard work of the entire investigative team – particularly Detective Constable Ellie Mannan who oversaw the early inquiries.”
