Two Albanian burglars have been locked up for 56 months each after a brazen burglary spree ripped through seven homes in Cheshire, including the residence of Aston Villa footballer Scott Hogan.
Denis Puka, 28, from Credition, and Erisjan Laska, 29, from Eccles Street, pleaded guilty at Chester Crown Court on 3 February 2026 to conspiracy to commit burglary. Their crime spree took place between 5 and 7 June 2025, targeting properties in Warrington, Northwich, and Knutsford.
The pair used ladders, scaled drainpipes, and stood on each other’s shoulders to break into first-floor windows with military precision. They coordinated their actions using walkie-talkies and made a swift escape in a getaway car.
Among the victims was footballer Scott Hogan. On 7 June, Hogan was woken at 11.30pm by torchlight flashing through his bedroom window. His pregnant wife and young daughter were at home during the frightening break-in attempt.
“I can’t put into words completely what a dramatic effect this has had on me and my family,” Hogan told the court. “It has led to many sleepless nights full of stress and anxiety.” Fortunately, nothing was stolen from Hogan’s house, and he has since enhanced his home security to protect his family.
Police tracked the burglars to a Seat Leon loaded with stolen goods and burglary tools. The car, which had cloned number plates, was transported from Sheffield to Warrington on a flatbed truck. Denis Puka was arrested in Surrey on 2 July 2025, and Erisjan Laska was caught in Sheffield the following day. Both men were promptly charged.
Cheshire Police Constable Simon Gibson said: “Puka and Laska thought they could travel hundreds of miles to Cheshire and get away with a series of burglaries – but they seriously underestimated us.”
“Their guilty pleas and sentences show the strength of our evidence. Our teams worked tirelessly to track them down and bring them to justice.”
“If you plan to commit crime in Cheshire, we will find you and hold you responsible.”
Despite their bold attempts, the burglars only managed to steal two luxury watches — a Rolex and an Omega. Most of the targeted homes were left untouched by theft.
Originally published by UKNIP.
