When we think of burglars, the image of a masked thief stealing valuables in the dead of night often comes to mind. But in a bizarre case in the UK, one burglar decided to rewrite the rulebook. Damian Wojnilowicz, 36, broke into homes not to ransack them but to, well, help out in the weirdest ways possible.
Wojnilowicz wasn’t your run-of-the-mill criminal. Instead of grabbing electronics or jewelry, he did the laundry, cooked meals, rearranged kitchen utensils, and even restocked bird feeders. His “Robin Hood” antics didn’t exactly calm his victims though, leaving them in a state of panic despite his strange attempts to brighten their day.
An Unusual Break-in in Monmouthshire
On July 16, a woman in Monmouthshire came home to an unsettling sight: her laundry was hung out to dry, her recycling bin had been emptied, and her kitchen looked oddly organized. Confused, she discovered a note left by the intruder. It read, “Don’t worry, be happy, eat up and scratch.” A sweet sentiment, maybe—but in this context, it was downright chilling.
Inside, the strange behavior continued. The burglar had laid out new utensils from the shopping bags, put old ones in the bin, and even rearranged plant pots in the garden. To top it off, he polished off a bottle of red wine, left the empty bottle on display, and placed sweets on the living room table like some deranged party host.
The homeowner’s reaction? She was terrified. Naturally, anyone would be unsettled if a stranger rearranged their belongings—even if they did cook a meal in the process. Speaking to the court, she described the trauma that followed, saying, “I was left too scared to stay in my own home.”
Also Read: Tonda Dickerson: The Waitress Who Unexpectedly Received a $10 Million Tip
A Second Time?
Just two weeks later, Damian struck again. This time, it was a male homeowner who got an unexpected alert on his CCTV camera. When the footage revealed an intruder wandering around the driveway, the homeowner’s worst fears were realized. But the burglar wasn’t content with just strolling. Damian went all out: he showered in the summerhouse, cleaned his clothes, and snacked on food from the kitchen.
By the time the homeowner’s son-in-law arrived to confront him, Damian was apparently drunk, holding a glass and acting as if he were at a casual family gathering. He left the scene but was arrested shortly after, thanks to fingerprints left at the previous break-in.
The Court’s Verdict
At his sentencing, the court heard that Damian had been homeless at the time and was facing various personal struggles. His lawyer, Tabitha Walker, argued that while Damian’s actions were unusual, he was remorseful for the harm caused. But Judge Christian Jowett wasn’t swayed. The burglar’s peculiar form of “help” was still a violation, and Damian was sentenced to 22 months in prison for two counts of burglary.
The Lasting Impact
While the case might seem like the setup to a comedy sketch, the emotional toll on the victims was very real. The female homeowner described weeks of anxiety and fear, uncertain if she had been targeted by someone who knew her. In situations like these, even acts of “kindness” can feel invasive and unsettling.
Despite Damian’s apologies and his odd version of housework, the victims were left feeling vulnerable and afraid in their own homes.
What Do You Think?
This strange case reminds us that even the most bizarre burglaries can leave a lasting emotional impact. If you’ve ever had a similar experience, consider taking extra security measures to protect your home. Whether it’s installing surveillance cameras or fortifying your locks, peace of mind is invaluable.
Let us know in the comments: What’s the strangest break-in story you’ve ever heard? And if you want more tales, check out our other articles on unusual criminal cases!
Sources:
Burglar hung out victim’s washing and unpacked shopping (bbc.com)
