Police Find Wanted Crewe Thief Hidden Under Duvets During Arrest

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A man who broke into the homes of elderly residents in Crewe, who police caught hiding under duvets in a cupboard, will now face longer jail time.

Michal Duda, 32, of Stalbridge Road in Crewe, was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday, July 29. He pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including burglary, theft of a vehicle, handling stolen property, driving while disqualified, possession of cannabis, and driving without insurance.

The incident happened on the evening of January 24, 2025, when police received a report of a break-in on Gainsborough Road, Crewe. Officers arrived to find a window had been smashed and saw Duda upstairs in the property, which belonged to a 79-year-old man who was not home at the time. Officers reported hearing loud crashes from inside as the burglary was taking place.

Persistent Offending

When police entered the property, they discovered the home had been thoroughly ransacked. A search led them to find Duda hiding beneath duvets in a cupboard under the stairs. He was arrested at the scene and tried to claim he had a set of keys for the home, although police believe he had forced open an outdoor key safe to get access. Officers found multiple sets of keys, £30 in cash, low-value jewellery, and decorative items in his possession.

Despite being released on bail while investigations continued, Duda offended again just weeks later. On February 21, 2025, a 72-year-old man returned to his house on Badger Avenue, Crewe, after visiting a relative in hospital to find it had been burgled. Around £250 to £300 in cash, a purse, an iPad, and car keys for a Hyundai vehicle were stolen.

The stolen vehicle was located in an alleyway near Stalbridge Road the following day. CCTV footage revealed Duda, who was banned from driving, repeatedly approaching and using the car. Forensic teams also lifted his fingerprint from the second victim’s home, linking him directly to the crime.

Duda was declared wanted by police, but it didn’t stop him from committing a third burglary. Between 5 and 7 March 2025, a property on Gresty Road, Crewe, was broken into. The homeowner, an 87-year-old man, was in the hospital at the time. Officers noted damage to the rear door and evidence that the house had been searched.

West Yorkshire Police arrested Duda on April 10, 2025. A search of his home recovered stolen items from the Gresty Road burglary, including a large boat figurine and vintage coins, further connecting him to the offence.

Duda was formally charged with all three burglaries and related crimes. He had already received a fine for cannabis possession.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Williams from Cheshire Police said: “Duda targeted the properties of elderly and vulnerable people, violating their homes, the place they should be able to feel safe and secure. Even after being arrested for one offence and bailed to allow for further enquiries to be carried out, he continued to offend and attempted to avoid being arrested by officers.

“However, thanks to teamwork from across Cheshire Police and with help from another force, Duda is now facing a lengthy spell behind bars. I hope the conclusion of this case will help reassure the victims and residents nearby of how seriously we take crimes of this nature.”