A bald thief who thought stealing from homes while wearing wigs was a masterstroke was foiled by police as he could still easily be recognised.

Darren Giardina stockpiled an array of hair disguises in an attempt to conceal his identity during a four-month crime spree across Thanet.

The 44-year-old, of no fixed address, even tied up one of his victims while he ransacked their home.

But while he made off with an array of precious items, he failed to take into account his shoddy attempts to hide his identity.

Described by police as "party costumes", Giardina's disguises were not successful in fending off suspicion and he was even clumsy enough to leave fingerprints at the scene of one of crimes.

He has now been found guilty of two counts of burglary and robbery following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court and was sentenced to 15 years behind bars.

Giardina’s offending reached its peak on Friday, September 6, when he was one of two robbers who targeted a property in Swinburne Avenue, Broadstairs.

They demanded money from the resident and tied him up while they stole jewellery, an engraved pocket watch, an antique pistol and an antique musket.

The items were found about a week later at a property in Bellevue Road, Ramsgate, which had also been burgled. The victim of the second burglary reported that a bag containing items matching the missing antiques from Swinburne Avenue had been left there.

Fingerprints belonging to Giardina were also found by forensic officers.

In another incident, he was captured on CCTV stealing a copper water tank from a property in Newcastle Hill, Ramsgate, in July.

He was also seen stealing from a car the following month in Salisbury Avenue, Broadstairs, while sporting yet another wig.

When officers arrested Giardina in September, he was wearing a black wig. A search of the property he was seen coming out of then led to the recovery of more wigs as well as clothing he had been seen wearing during his stealing spree.

Senior investigating officer, DS Jay Robinson: "Giardina’s decision to wear wigs to try and disguise himself was undoubtedly a ‘hair-brained’ one – he was recognisable despite wearing them.

"He was also identified as the suspect because he left fingerprints and other evidence at the scenes which our team quickly located.

"Perhaps Giardina will use his time in prison to consider putting his energies into something positive to benefit others, rather than party costumes to benefit his own greed.

"Stealing from other people is despicable; the victim in the robbery was subjected to a frightening experience, and those who had their homes burgled now have to come to terms with someone rummaging through their belongings.

"I thank them all for supporting this investigation and wish them all the best for the future."

Giardina has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

To read more of our in depth coverage of all of the major trials coming out of crown and magistrates' courts across the county, click here.

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