An Edgware man has been sentenced to five and a half year in prison for a series of burglaries across north London.

Luke Dowling, 28, was on the run for months after targeting homes in Barnet, Brent and Harrow.

He pleaded guilty to four offences of burglary and one motoring offence, at Harrow Crown Court on Friday September 16.

He and his associate were caught by police at an address in High Barnet in July.

Police officers have praised the work of the local media who circulated Dowling’s picture in newspapers and on social media.

This meant Dowling stayed longer at this address, where was eventually found, as he was afraid the public would recognise him if he ventured out during the day.

In a statement from Barnet MPS, it read:  “Dowling’s arrest was the work of Officers from Barnet Police Crime Reduction Unit and Barnet’s Wanted Offender Unit. Barnet Police will continue to work in partnership with Barnet’s local press to bring Wanted Offenders to justice.”

Dowling's associate was also caught and will be sentenced in the upcoming months.