26th January 2012
Serial burglar vows to steal more
A prolific burglar, whose ill-gotten gains were confiscated by police, has vowed to go on a crime spree as soon as he is released from prison.
Ronnie Tretton, a 27-year-old from Leigh-on-Sea had more than £1,000 seized by the court under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
However, during his hearing at Southend Magistrates' Court, he told all those present that he would more than compensate for the confiscation by committing even more crimes after his release.
Mr Tretton shouted from the dock: "When I get out there will be a lot of burglaries. I will get that money back. Watch the crime rate when I get out. How about that?"
Dubbed one of the Southend area's "most prolific burglars", he was taken to court on suspicion of burglary after police found a large sum of cash in his possession.
The police then secured a court order to keep most of the money, which totalled £1,287.
However, Mr Tretton was never charged with the suspected burglary.
He told the police that a relative had given him the money for safekeeping.
The serial burglar is now in prison after being convicted of a separate domestic assault, but may be released in a matter of weeks.
He is also subject to a restraining order preventing him from contacting his assault victim for the next two years.
Mr Tretton has 88 previous convictions, which include 25 theft-related crimes, and he has been bailed for four different burglaries.
In 2003, he became the first person in the Essex town to be given an ASBO (anti-social behaviour order).
Fiona Philpott, prosecuting on behalf of Essex Police, also indicated that his mobile phone showed evidence that he supplied illegal drugs to friends.
Southend police has recently launched a crackdown on burglaries in the area.
In December, cash rewards of up to £1,000 were offered for information leading to the arrest and charge of criminals committing burglaries and handling stolen goods.
Posted by Penelope Fitzgerald
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