Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 5th March 2025, at 17:00hrs
Kiril Mihaylov, 30, has been sentenced to eight years in prison at Manchester Crown Court for a series of violent robberies and a burglary targeting elderly victims in Manchester and Salford.
The sentencing follows a meticulous investigation by Salford’s Neighbourhood Crime Team, which uncovered Mihaylov’s pattern of targeting vulnerable individuals, often following them from Manchester city centre to their homes.
The investigation began after a 96-year-old woman was violently robbed of her jewellery at her home in Little Hulton. The victim, who has since sadly passed away, was known to regularly travel to Manchester city centre for social outings.
Detectives established that Mihaylov had followed her from Piccadilly Gardens on August 1st, before forcibly stealing her necklace inside her home.
Just weeks later, on August 26th, an 82-year-old woman was also targeted as she walked home from a shopping trip. Mihaylov attacked her on Trinity Way, punching her and stealing her jewellery, including earrings forcibly ripped from her ears. DNA evidence from the scene linked Mihaylov to the crime.
The following day, August 27th, an 80-year-old man reported a burglary at his Salford home. He returned to find his patio doors smashed and a man, later identified as Mihaylov, inside his property, holding a large knife. A high-value Omega watch was stolen during the burglary.
Through detailed CCTV analysis and forensic evidence, officers were able to link Mihaylov to all three incidents.
A search of his property revealed clothing matching that seen in CCTV footage, as well as photos of stolen items and evidence of attempts to sell them, including details of sending the stolen Omega watch to Bulgaria.
The stolen Omega watch was intercepted in transit to Mihaylov’s family in Bulgaria, thanks to collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, and was successfully returned to its owner.
Detective Inspector Micheal Sharples of Salford’s Neighbourhood Crime Team condemned Mihaylov’s actions, stating,
“Mihaylov’s actions were cowardly, he would systematically prey on elderly people who he saw going about their daily lives in the city centre and would follow them home thinking they would be an easy target.”
He praised the victims for their courage in coming forward, adding, “These incidents were particularly shocking as he targeted elderly people. When speaking with the victims, we could sense just how much they valued their independence and their days out to the city centre.
Mihaylov’s actions have left them shaken and questioning their safety.”
“I hope that by knowing he is now behind bars, this will provide them with a small measure of comfort, and that they will continue to confidently go about their daily lives, doing what they enjoy the most,” DI Sharples concluded.
Kiril Mihaylov, of Hamilton Road, was sentenced to eight years in prison for two robbery offences and a residential burglary offence.
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