Mayfair’s cat burglar jailed

Press, 12 July 1979, Page 6

Mayfair’s cat burglar jailed

NZPA-Reuter London David Brewster, a cat burglar known respectfully at Scotland Yard as the king of the Mayfair rooftops, has been sentenced to .10 years fail. Old Bailey Criminal Court, jurors heard tributes to Brewster’s skill, daring, and professionalism before convicting him of two burglaries involving $145,000 worth of jewels. The prosecution said the 33-year old Brewster, who lifted weights, climbed mountains, and played soccer to keep fit for his occupation, admitted stealing SIM worth ■of jewellery in three months last year.

The police said the whereabouts of most of Brewster’s loot was his secret. Judge Jean Southeworth said he had done 57 burglaries, in 10

years. The jury heard ■ that Brewster haunted harrow ledges and balconies in London’s swank Mayfair district, where half a million dollars is not considered an excessive price for an apart-

rment. He worked, the proseaction said, at. heights where •loccupants had what proved Ja false sense of security. Brewster’s aplomb was ■ legendary. Three times he ! was disturbed at his work, but not caught. Once when discovered he posed as a 1 plumber. ; He was surprised during one of the burglaries of which he was convicted, at the home of Lady Philippa McAlpine, and coolly said, “It’s all right, I’ve seen the ’ guv’nor,” and walked out 1 with $50,000 worth of jewels,, the prosecution said. At the Claridge’s Hotel, ■ the court heard, Brewster clambered over an overhanging scaffold /seven

floors up, popped through a penthouse window, grabbed $92,000 worth of jewels, jogged down the stairs, and asked the doorman tocall

him a taxi.. . Brewster was nabbed last November after spotting a police surveillance team that had hoped to follow him to a break-in. Under interrogation he admitted several burglaries.