A man’s shocking series of break-ins into people’s homes in Wales has been caught on camera, leaving residents both horrified and puzzled. In a bizarre turn of events, Damian Wojnilowicz, 36, broke into a woman’s house in Monmouthshire and performed domestic tasks like hanging out her washing, emptying her recycling bin, and even putting her shopping away. The unsuspecting homeowner returned to find her washing neatly hung on the line, items rearranged in the garden, and signs of someone having been inside her house, including a meal prepared on the stove using her ingredients.
Wojnilowicz’s peculiar actions escalated when he broke into another property, where he made himself quite at home. The homeowner received a CCTV alert showing a burglar on his driveway, prompting him to investigate. Upon arrival, it was discovered that Wojnilowicz had used the shower to wash his clothes, consumed food and drink from the house, and left the hot tub in a messy state. The defendant, who appeared intoxicated, was asked to leave but not before causing considerable distress to the residents.
The Cardiff Crown Court heard that Wojnilowicz pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary, with DNA evidence linking him to the first break-in. Both victims expressed feelings of shock, helplessness, and insecurity following the incidents. The Monmouthshire victim reported experiencing heightened anxiety and fear of being targeted, while the second victim felt sickened by the violation of their privacy.
During the sentencing, Recorder Christian Jowett described the break-ins as a significant intrusion into the victims’ homes. Wojnilowicz, who was homeless at the time of the offences, received a 22-month prison sentence for his actions. His defence attorney, Tabitha Walker, acknowledged the harm caused and stated that the defendant wished to apologise to the victims.
The unsettling nature of Wojnilowicz’s break-ins has stirred unease among residents in the area, prompting increased vigilance and security measures. The victims, traumatized by the invasion of their homes, are now looking to move and are hyper-aware of their safety. The incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of home security and vigilance against unexpected threats, even from seemingly harmless intruders.
As the community grapples with the repercussions of these disturbing events, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case of Damian Wojnilowicz serves as a cautionary tale of the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly innocent actions, underscoring the importance of home security and community awareness.