Notebook Mistake Catches Robber Six Years After Brutal Home Attack
A vicious robber who posed as a council worker to dupe an elderly couple into letting him into their Black Country home has been jailed after a simple mistake involving a notepad led to his capture six years later.
Deceptive Entry and Violent Assault
Shakele Zaid, 40, claimed he worked for the council and needed to check the couple's home in Cradley Heath, Sandwell, on December 13, 2017. He and an accomplice wore hard hats and fluorescent jackets, stating they needed to inspect window seals just six weeks after the windows had been replaced.
Once inside, the distraction burglars searched the woman, while one of them punched and stamped on the man, who was in his 60s or 70s. They then fled with valuables including a watch, jewellery, and cash.
Forensic Breakthrough Years Later
However, Zaid had touched a notepad during the robbery, leaving a fingerprint. A forensic match in 2023 finally linked him to the crime, leading police to the criminal, who was already serving a prison term for theft-related offences.
Zaid pleaded guilty to a separate count of robbery after a man in his 70s was grabbed and pushed over on Two Gates Lane, Dudley, on June 24, 2024, shortly after midnight. Money and a bus pass were taken from the victim's pockets as he lay injured.
Court Convictions and Sentencing
Zaid appeared in court charged with both robberies and was convicted of the Cradley Heath crime following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court. He was also convicted of 21 counts of shop theft after pleading guilty, and a further three robberies related to shop thefts after making threats to staff.
The offender, of no fixed address, was jailed for an additional 13 years last Friday, February 13, at Birmingham Crown Court.
Police Response and Public Warning
Detective Constable Bobby Khan, who led the case, said: "We often see vulnerable and elderly people targeted during distraction burglaries and Zaid did exactly that. He not only stole from the man and woman but was also part of an unprovoked and senseless assault on an innocent person, and stealing from him as he lay on the floor injured."
"Thanks to the fingerprint match all these years later Zaid will now serve even more time behind bars for his crimes, and I hope this offers the victim in this case some comfort that he's been dealt with for his actions."
DC Khan continued: "I hope this result also shows the public that if evidence does come to light around cases we're investigating even years later, we will continue to fight to bring those responsible to justice. I want to remind anyone reading this, that have elderly or vulnerable family members, neighbours, or friends who live alone to remind them of being wary against distraction burglars and if they ever feel threatened to call 999 immediately."
