Serial burglar jailed after key safe break-ins

A burglar who targeted elderly and vulnerable victims has been jailed after a police investigation linked him to a series of break-ins.

Craig Mercer burgled three homes in the south of Nottingham and Rushcliffe areas – all by smashing his way into key safes.

He then ransacked each property and stole cash and other valuables including jewellery, bank cards and electronic items.

Detectives and uniformed officers carried out extensive investigations into the series of incidents and caught Mercer red-handed when they raided his home and found stolen property inside.

He pleaded guilty to burglaries at Musters Road, Ruddington, on 21 December 2024, Blake Road, West Bridgford, on 29 January 2025 and Scarf Walk, Wilford, on 17 February 2025.

Thirty-five-year-old Mercer, of Marshall Drive, Ruddington, also admitted swiping electrical items after smashing the window of a car while the vehicle’s owner was at a Christmas party on 17 December 2024.

At Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday (3 July) Mercer was jailed for a total of six-and-a-half years.

Detective Constable Andre Foster, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“Mercer appears to have deliberately targeted properties with key safes, seemingly fully aware they were likely be the homes of elderly or vulnerable people living alone.

“The impact of these break-ins on the victims was considerable. Those affected told us they felt violated after discovering their home had been broken into and ransacked.

“After breaking in, Mercer then helped himself to whatever he wanted, including items of huge sentimental value.

“Multiple police teams worked hard following this series of incidents to both investigate what happened, track down who was responsible and reassure members of the community through targeted patrols.

“I hope people welcome our focused and robust response.

“We also continue to advise people to check their home security as frequently as they can.

“Key safes are generally convenient and a reassurance, especially for vulnerable people.

“However, we’re concerned that key safes fixed on walls next to front doors are more likely to be targeted.

“To protect your home and belongings, we’re advising people to consider relocating the key safe to somewhere less obvious and out of general view from passers-by. 

“We’d also urge residents to make sure the key safe is of good quality and made of strong material, preferably one that comes with “Secured By Design” approved accreditation, and that it is securely fastened to a wall.

"We'd advise people to change the combination to the safe regularly, and to consider taking the key out when they know they won’t need it, such as at night.

"It is also advisable if you have a key safe that you don't use, to leave it open showing nothing inside which would remove the temptation of a passing opportunist."

Police teams continue to work together to tackle and prevent burglary in a number of area as part of a multifaceted problem management plan put in place by the force’s Prevention Hub.

For more advice on home security, visit Protecting your home from crime | Crime prevention | Nottinghamshire Police