David Buisson, the career criminal once dubbed the “Essex Spiderman,” has been sentenced to six years and one month in prison following a daring £1 million watch theft at Bluewater shopping centre in Kent.
Known for his audacious raids, Buisson’s latest crime added to a long history of high-profile burglaries, including multiple break-ins at Lord Sugar’s mansion.
The Bluewater Shopping Centre Heist
On February 7, Buisson executed what authorities called a “highly sophisticated” burglary, stealing over 150 luxury watches.
Disguised with a face mask and hi-vis vest, he scaled the roof using a telescopic ladder, bypassed multiple layers of security, and forced open a safe before fleeing in a black Mercedes GLA driven by an accomplice.
Although the alarm was triggered, staff arriving at the scene discovered the burglary had already taken place and alerted the police.
A Criminal With a Notorious Past
Buisson, 56, has a long record of high-value raids. In 2018, he stole £184,000 in jewellery and watches from Lord Sugar’s Chigwell mansion, part of a £1.2 million crime spree. He even returned the following night to try and drill open a safe.
Investigators later discovered Buisson had made a list of the 192 wealthiest people in Essex, targeting seven after researching them on Facebook.
A former helicopter pilot, Buisson fled to Spain but was eventually caught on the Costa del Sol and brought back to the UK, where he was ordered to repay Lord Sugar nearly £174,000 in compensation.
How the Bluewater Heist Unfolded
Kent Police traced the black Mercedes, which had fake plates, and combed through CCTV and ANPR footage across Kent, Essex, and Buckinghamshire.
They discovered Buisson’s associate lived near Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, and that the same vehicle had visited Bluewater more than ten times prior to the raid for reconnaissance.
Each journey also included stops in Harlow, Essex, where Buisson resided.
Buisson was eventually arrested in Penrith, Cumbria, on February 12.
A search of his home uncovered incriminating video footage showing him scouting the jewellers before the raid.
His accomplice was also arrested in Essex, though he died while on remand.
Police Praise Investigation and Security Team
Detective Constable Harry Groves praised the investigation, saying, “Buisson is a career criminal who spent a considerable amount of time planning this high-value burglary.
On the day of the break-in, he tried to disguise both his appearance and the vehicle he used.
His confidence was misplaced, and thanks to dogged investigation and the support of the business and Bluewater security team, he was tracked down.”
Groves added that efforts are ongoing to recover the stolen watches that remain missing.
A String of High-Profile Crimes
Buisson’s criminal career also includes burglaries across Epping Forest and Canvey Island, targeting homes and businesses.
Among his notable crimes was a break-in at Smith’s Brasserie in Ongar, popular with stars of The Only Way Is Essex, where he spent 40 minutes opening a safe.
Authorities found signal-jamming equipment, tools for drilling and lock picking, a stolen drone, and jewellery at addresses linked to Buisson. Internet searches on his seized computer corresponded to later burgled addresses.
He was also involved in raids on the homes of Lord Sugar and allegedly David Sullivan, the West Ham United chairman, though he was never charged in relation to the latter.
Spain Capture and Crime Prevention
After fleeing to Spain, Buisson was captured by the National Crime Agency in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol and returned to the UK in May.
As part of his sentencing, he has also been placed under a serious crime prevention order, ensuring his movements and activities are closely monitored.