Steven Vonk
Police in Swansea traced a burglary suspect through DNA technology after he left a can of lager at the scene of his crime.
The burglary was reported at a flat in St Albans Road, Brynmill at around 2.30am on Friday 4th July.
The suspect was disturbed by the occupant and ran off without stealing any property.
A crime scene investigation took place at the flat which found an open can of Carling left in one of the rooms. Forensic tests were carried out on the can which contained the full DNA profile of suspect Steven Craig Vonk, aged 39, of St Albans Road, Brynmill.
He was then arrested and charged with the burglary and appeared at Swansea Magistrates Court on 24th July. Vonk appeared in Swansea Crown Court and was sentenced to 876 days in prison for burglary and a further 12 weeks from a previous suspended sentence.
Detective Inspector Mark Kavanagh of Swansea CID said: “Disturbing a burglar in your home is a terrifying experience and fortunately in this case the victim was unharmed and no property was stolen.
“An investigation got underway and during the crime scene investigation it became apparent that a can of lager had been left at the scene which did not belong to the victim.
“The can was forensically examined and contained the full DNA profile of Vonk. He was later traced and arrested for the burglary.
“Whenever a burglary is reported we use every tool available to us to try and identify a suspect. Forensic technology is an important way of catching burglary suspect and in this case leaving behind a can of lager has resulted in us putting the suspect before the court.”
