In February, Croydon's head of education asked the Harris Federation, a powerful academy chain with 38 schools across London, including nine in Croydon, to explain why many of its pupils 'disappear' before their exam year.

Paul Greenhalgh's concern was based on an investigation by the Guardian, which found a sharp drop in pupil numbers before GCSEs in 2012 compared to the number enrolled in the same group the previous year. Harris Academy South Norwood was mentioned specifically in the article because pupil numbers had fallen 20 per cent during that period.

There was no evidence to suggest lower-achieving children had been deliberately removed and educated elsewhere, the article said, but there were questions which needed to be answered.

The council seemed to agree. Mr Greenhalgh, director of children, families and learning, said figures for one of the academy chains mentioned in the article had been analysed and he was concerned.

"We have written to that chain to seek an explanation and to secure an answer in terms of the express concerns we have from what we can see in the data," he told a council scrutiny meeting.

Though no one at the council would confirm it at the time, the chain in question was the Harris Federation. Questions were also asked about Oasis Community Learning, another major academy provider in Croydon that featured on the Guardian list.

The authority wrote to the Education Funding Agency (EFA), which manages funding for academies and free schools, to seek an explanation about where the pupils had gone.

Sean Fitzsimons, the Labour councillor who first raised the article with the council, said he was reassured that an investigation would take place, but stressed the need for transparency.

As a result of the letter,  the Harris Federation met with Mr Greenhalgh and other council officers in May.

Since then the concern about 'disappearing' pupils appears to have, well, disappeared. As if reading from the same crib sheet, the Harris Federation and the council issued a statement this week saying they had agreed to be better at sharing information with each other.

A Harris spokeswoman said: 

"The Federation met with Croydon after the EFA looked into the issue and found that the level of pupil turnover was consistent with the local authority as a whole. The meeting with Croydon was useful and we agreed with them the ways in which we would share data with each other."

A council spokesman said: 

"The council has had a very constructive meeting with the Harris Federation and have agreed all essential information that will be shared in the future, to ensure data sharing systems are consistent and clear.

"Good communication has been established between the Federation and the council, which will allow both organisations to fulfil their duties and ensure the needs of all young people are met."

Earlier in the week, however, a council source had told the Advertiser that the Department for Education (DfE) had warned Harris to "stop their current practice and not exclude these children".

A DfE spokeswoman said this week that the matter had been resolved without its intervention.

It is possible, of course, that there was nothing untoward about the variation in pupil numbers during the years in question, and that the council's initial concerns were a result of not having access to pupil movement data for academies.

But, recall Cllr Fitzsimons' warning at the time the issue first came to light.

"I get the impression," he said, "that the council would not want any problems with its academy providers to be out in the open, but this is a serious issue which warrants further explanation."

Next week the Harris Federation will open two more schools in Croydon, and it will probably be relied on even more heavily in the coming years as the council tries to meet unprecedented demand for places.

In that light, perhaps it is unsurprising that questions about disappearing pupils have vanished. 

A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Adrian Young, who was stabbed in the heart during a fight on a Croydon estate.

The 26-year-old is currently in custody in a south London police station.

Mr Young, 24, was attacked in Cromwell Road at around 4.30pm on Tuesday by three men who chased him into nearby Whitehorse Road.

The young father, also known as Andre, collapsed and was treated by paramedics at the roadside before being taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead later than evening.

A post-mortem held at St George's mortuary yesterday (Wednesday) gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the heart. 

CROYDON twins who scooped a staggering 23 A*s between them in their GCSEs said their success was thanks to friendly sibling rivalry.

Riddlesdown Collegiate pupils Poppy and Amber Ash, 16, revise together when they can and said that having each other spurred them on through long days of exam preparation.

Poppy said: "When she's revising I want to make sure I'm revising too."

"It makes me more motivated because I want to beat her," Amber added.

Poppy was Riddlesdown's star pupil, getting A*s in all 12 of her GCSEs. But Amber was hot on her heels with 11 A*s and one A.

Amber said that her secret was to stay calm, adding: "You need to revise but don't panic. I watch a lot of comedies so I'm in a good mood all the time. You have to pretend that you enjoy it and you can't do that if you just revise lots."

Poppy recalled the moment she realised she only had 100 days to go until the exams started.

She said: "I worked out a timetable and found a way of cramming. I kept taking lots of breaks to listen to music and made sure I got enough sleep."

The twins haven't decided where they will go for sixth form yet. They both want to study psychology, English and Spanish at A level, with Poppy also wanting to study art and Amber, Latin.

As well as acing their exams, both girls recently completed the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. They also lobbied to keep Croydon Library open.

Rob Watkins is head of Orion, the twins' college at Riddlesdown. He said: "I'm absolutely amazed with their performance getting some record results.

"Both girls took maths early in November and got A*s and have continued their success with these results.

"It's an exceptional product of all their hard work and commitment.

"They consistently work hard every day."

Poppy and Amber celebrated their results last Thursday at a Sleeping with Sirens concert that night.

SOUTHAMPTON midfielder and reported Crystal Palace target Jack Cork is 'not going anywhere' this summer, according to his manager Ronald Koeman.

The Eagles have been linked with a £3m move for the Carshalton-born 25-year-old, who has been with Southampton since the summer of 2011.

Reports had suggested that a deal was close to bring Cork to Selhurst Park, but Saints boss Koeman has quashed rumours that the versatile midfielder will leave the club during this transfer window.

Asked about the speculation surrounding Cork ahead of his side's trip to West Ham tomorrow (Saturday), Koeman said: "He will stay."

POLICE in Croydon will today resume an operation to "target those responsible" for rough sleeping and begging. 

The Met said it officers will be concentrating on "engaging, disrupting and deterring" people responsible for this "behaviour" and would make arrests and issue Antisocial Behaviour Orders (Asbos) "where appropriate". 

It follows an identical crackdown in January this year during which police said they would take action against those who "commit" rough sleeping.

Figures published earlier this month show the number of people sleeping rough in Croydon has increased significantly in recent years, from 25 in 2010/11 to 155 in 2013/14.

Scotland Yard said the officers would be targeting six "hotspots" across London: Westminster, Camden, Croydon, Islington, Lambeth and Southwark. 

The joint operation involves the police, local authorities and other agencies. 

The Met said Operation Encompass has led to several arrests and antisocial behaviour notices, though it has not provided specific figures.

A statement published today (Friday) said the initiative "highlights work that is carried out daily by officers and partners who proactively patrol hotspot areas to speak with those who sleep rough and beg from members of the public".

Rough sleepers would be offered "assistance through support services and arrests are made where offences are identified". 

A spokesman added: "Whilst good progress has been made, these issues persist and all partnership agencies are committed to dealing with this matter in a robust and balanced way."

Commander Alison Newcomb, leading the operation, said: "Operation Encompass has demonstrated the benefits of a multi-agency approach aimed to reduce the number of those sleeping rough and begging, which can lead to associated anti-social behaviour and crime.

"Officers work with immigration partners to utilise legislation launched in January regarding removal from the UK, where the grounds exist. 

"They also make referrals to outreach projects in order to help vulnerable individuals break the cycle they find themselves in when sleeping rough, while taking affirmative action against persistent offenders who break the law or cause intimidation to passing members of public.

"Begging will not be tolerated in the City of Westminster or any other London borough. Wherever possible people begging will be arrested and ASBOs sought where appropriate.

"Our activity today is ongoing with our partners who are committed and recognise that it is an issue that does not go away in a single operational action and requires a continued and consistent approach from all agencies and partners."

Today's statement appears to suggest that the operation will focus on EU nationals who "abuse free movement rights for fraud". In January the authorities were given more power to remove those people from the UK. 

James Brokenshire, immigration and security minister, said: "Operations such as these demonstrate that abuse of free movement will not be tolerated, and we will take action to remove perpetrators from the UK. We work regularly with police, local authorities and other agencies to identify and deal with EU nationals who are not abiding by the rules."

Croydon Council was criticised last year after it emerged it had planned to remove a soup kitchen from a town centre park. The idea - put forward by the police - was eventually shelved. 

Chief Superintendent David Musker, then Croydon borough commander, later said that people used the soup kitchen in Queen's Gardens so they could spend money on alcohol instead. 

THE French national team will make Croydon their home during next year's Rugby World Cup.

Les Blues will use Trinity School, in Shirley, as a training base during the tournament in September and October 2015, meaning pupils will be sharing the corridors with the international stars.

The French lost in the final in 2011 by a point to New Zealand, and will hope the "top class" facilities at Trinity will help them win this time round.

Trinity School's director of rugby, Aaron Liffchak, said: "The whole school is excited at the thought of hosting the French rugby team and being part of the third largest sporting event in the world.

"To be recognised as one of the top rugby facilities in the country is a huge compliment to the many staff that work so hard to create such a special environment at Trinity and it is really great to be bringing RWC 2015 and the Tricolores to Croydon."

The French superstars, who count Mathieu Bastareaud and Thierry Dusautoir among their number, will have access to the school's pitch, sports hall, pool, fitness suite, strength and conditioning suite and medical room, ahead of their games against Italy and Romania in September 2015.

Mr Liffchak added: "Trinity School has always had a vested interested in English rugby, developing and producing many players who have gone on to represent their country.

"We look forward to working closely with the French Rugby Federation over the next few months to ensure students, staff and our facilities enable them to produce top class international rugby throughout the competition.

"Students can't wait to see some of the top rugby players in the world walking down the same corridors as they do."

The school was chosen as one of 41 training bases across England and Wales from 90 bids, in a process that started last year.

Debbie Jevans, CEO of organising body England Rugby 2015, said: "Rugby is at the heart of all our planning and we have worked closely with the teams to ensure that they have access to facilities and a team base that meet their individual needs."

POLICE are to investigate the cause of a fire which destroyed a trailer packed with hay in the early hours of this morning (Friday).

Firefighters from Addington were called to the blaze next to the Tramlink track in Lodge Lane, New Addington at around 1.45am.

A firefighter said they were on the scene for two hours dealing with the fire and trailer had been completely destroyed.

He said: "Police will be investigating as there was no obvious accidental cause of the fire."

YANNICK BOLASIE has committed his future to Crystal Palace after signing a new three-year deal with the club.

The Democratic Republic of Congo winger has put pen to paper on a new three-year contract, with his previous deal set to expire next summer.

The 25-year-old joined the Eagles from Bristol City in 2012 and has since made 79 appearances for Palace, impressing as the club survived in the Premier League for the first time last season.

IT IS week three of the Premier League and yet again, there are some superb matches with new Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock taking his side to Newcastle, Everton facing Chelsea and early leaders Tottenham facing a Liverpool side that could include new signing Mario Balotelli.

But the weekend kicks off with the lunchtime kick off on Saturday, which pits Burnley together with struggling Manchester United at Turf Moor.

Here, our resident tipster Bobby Dubz makes his predictions for the weekend's matches.

Burnley v Manchester United

The Clarets have had a tough start to life in the Premier League, losing 3-1 at home to Chelsea and narrowly away at Swansea last week.

And it doesn't get any easier this week, with Manchester United visiting Turf Moor still smarting from an embarrassing 4-0 defeat in the Capital One Cup at MK Dons.

United will be buoyed by the arrival of record signing Angel Di Maria and it will of course be a different side on show from the one that lost heavily in midweek.

But Burnley, with their passionate fan base, will be hoping for a repeat of the last time the two sides met in the Premier League at Turf Moor, when the Clarets won 1-0.

It is however, hard to see that happening again.

Prediction: 1-2

Manchester City v Stoke

The Premier League champions are already looking good for a defence of their crown, having defeated rivals Liverpool 3-1 at home on Monday night.

Six points from two games represents a solid start for Manuel Pellegrini's men and they will be confident of making it nine from a possible nine this weekend against a Stoke side that has struggled so far.

A lacklustre display in a 1-0 defeat on the opening day at home to Aston Villa was certainly not ideal for Mark Hughes' men, and scraping a point against ten-man Hull last week did little to suggest that Hughes' return to the Etihad will be anything but an unhappy one.

Prediction: 3-0

Newcastle United v Crystal Palace

Newcastle's new-look side are showing signs of promise, even if they have failed to find the net in their first two matches.

There is, however, enough to suggest that they will come good and Alan Pardew will certainly be hoping that they start to on Saturday.

But Crystal Palace will be no pushovers and with Neil Warnock returning for a second stint as manager, the players will be keen to impress.

As such, this match may not be the home win everyone would have expected following the Eagles' listless performance against West Ham last Saturday.

Prediction: 1-1

QPR v Sunderland

It has not been the best start to life back in the Premier League for Harry Redknapp's Queens Park Rangers side.

A 1-0 home defeat was followed by a 4-0 thrashing at White Hart Lane last weekend, with Tottenham running riot against their London rivals.

But Sunderland at home is a fixture they have to be targeting for points, even if Gus Poyet's side will be buoyed by their performance against Manchester United last weekend.

Sunderland are unbeaten in the league with two draws so far and they will be hoping to extend that run at Loftus Road, although QPR will be desperate to get off the mark too.

Prediction: 1-1

Swansea v West Brom

Swansea have surprised most by winning their first two fixtures this season, but Garry Monk's men have impressed so far.

They backed up their 2-1 win at Old Trafford with a 1-0 success against Burnley last time out, giving them maximum points coming into this fixture.

And it is difficult to foresee anything but a home win against West Brom, despite the Baggies' also being unbeaten with two draws so far.

Alan Irvine's men have been solid if not spectacular, but travelling to the Liberty Stadium to face an in-form Swansea side is a real test for them.

Prediction: 2-1

West Ham v Southampton

West Ham looked impressive against Crystal Palace last Saturday and will take confidence from picking up their first win of the season.

However, they failed to back that up in midweek, losing out to Sheffield United on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Upton Park.

As such, the Hammers are yet to pick up a win at home this season in all competitions and Southampton will arrive in east London hopeful of continuing that trend.

Ronald Koeman's side failed to beat West Brom last weekend in a bore draw, but they will be buoyed by a 2-0 success at Millwall in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday and will hope to maintain their form on the road after a plucky display at Liverpool on the opening day.

Prediction: 1-1

Everton v Chelsea

Everton looked superb for two-thirds of the match against Arsenal last week and will be disappointed not to have won the game.

They are the early-season entertainers following two 2-2 draws, and Romelu Lukaku and new signing Samuel Eto'o will be out to prove a point against their former side.

They could come back to haunt the Blues, who are likely to be without Diego Costa through injury.

Chelsea have coasted through their opening two matches against newly-promoted Burnley and Leicester, but this is their first big test and they may have to settle for a point at Goodison Park.

Prediction: 1-1

Aston Villa v Hull (Sunday)

Aston Villa have surprised many with four points from six in their first two games.

They have kept two clean sheets and picked up a win on the road, although they have been better away from home in recent seasons.

This is the sort of game where they have faltered in recent seasons at home and Hull will be keen to put their Europa League exit behind them.

The Tigers also have four points so far, with a similar record, having beaten QPR away on the opening day and drawn with Stoke at the KC Stadium last week.

Prediction: 0-1

Tottenham v Liverpool

This is arguably the game of the weekend, with Mauricio Pochettino's early pacesetters taking on a Liverpool side that could feature Mario Balotelli.

Tottenham are finding some early season form with four wins from four in all competitions, and last week's emphatic victory against QPR shows they could well be dark horses for a top four spot.

If they are to get there, they will more than likely have to finish above Liverpool, who will be looking to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat at another top four rival in Manchester City.

If he plays, Balotelli will be hoping to hit the ground running back in England, but it will be interesting to see how Brendan Rodgers will fit both him and Daniel Sturridge into his team.

It may well be that the Italian comes off the bench in this game, but it is very likely that he will somehow make the headlines.

Prediction: 1-2

Leicester v Arsenal

As a newly-promoted side, Leicester City have adapted well to life in the Premier League.

They fully deserved their point against Everton in their first outing and can consider themselves unlucky not to have taken anything from their trip to Stamford Bridge last week.

If only David Nugent had scored when he was through one-on-one with Chelsea goalkeeper Thibault Courtois, it could have been a different story.

But it doesn't get any easier with the Gunners visiting the King Power Stadium and Arsene Wenger's side have a knack of getting results in games like this.

It is against the big boys that they have come unstuck in recent years, and as such, it is hard to see anything but a victory for the visitors on Sunday.

Prediction: 1-3

THE friends and family of a seriously ill little girl are holding a series of events to try and raise £10,000 to find her a cure.

Georgia Strudwick, from Purley, was diagnosed with the life-threatening neurological disorder Rett syndrome when she was two.

Georgia, who celebrated her tenth birthday on Tuesday, is not able to walk or talk. She has chronic breathing problems that make it difficult for her to sleep. She did have a machine to help her breathe at night but it didn't work and she now has to have an oxygen machine.

Her mother, Lisa, has led the fundraising for charity Cure Rett, which funds research into finding a cure for the disease.

Last Sunday, the Croham Arms in South Croydon held a fun day to help and raised £3,500.

There was a live band and several people took part in the ice bucket challenge – an internet craze where people pour a bucket of ice water over their head to raise awareness and money for motor neurone disease.

Lisa said: "I walked into the pub and there were so many people there, it was just amazing. I got upset and overwhelmed. They put on an amazing day."

On Saturday, Ms Strudwick and a team of 30 family and friends will take part in the Nuts Challenge, a gruelling 7km race with 100 obstacles.

They will have to crawl through tunnels of mud, climb 12ft walls and wade through mud waist deep in Dorking, Surrey.

"I've jumped out of a plane to raise money for Cure Rett before so this is OK," said Lisa. "I've just been overwhelmed at the amount of people who have said they will do it with us."

Between them they have raised £2,000 for Cure Rett. Lisa and her best friend, Fran Hallworth-Noble, also ran the London Marathon this year and in 2013, raising £3,500. Lisa ran the first marathon injured after hurting her leg at mile three and was determined to have another go and beat her time this year.

She said: "I kept running because there was no way I was going to stop.

"I trained for a year for this one and I beat my first time of six hours and did it in five."

Those wanting to donate money to help the Strudwick's reach their target should visit their fundraising page: www.justgiv ing.com/georgia-strudwick/

NEIL WARNOCK is targeting a move to bring Queens Park Rangers left-back Armand Traore to Crystal Palace, according to reports.

The 24-year-old worked with Warnock during his time at Loftus Road and the new Palace boss is hoping to add the Senegalese international to his ranks at Selhurst Park.

Traore signed a new two-year deal with QPR earlier this year, but The Sun is reporting that Crystal Palace have tabled a £2.5m bid for the full-back.

CRYSTAL Palace winger Yannick Bolasie says he is looking to kick on in the 'best league in the world' after signing a new deal with the club.

The 25-year-old has today (Friday) agreed a new three-year deal with the Eagles, with his previous contract set to expire next summer.

And the Democratic Republic of Congo international, who joined the Eagles from Bristol City in 2012, has told the club's website that he is delighted to have signed a new deal.

"I'm ready to kick on and play in the best league in the world," he told www.cpfc.co.uk

"I was aware there had been speculation about interest from elsewhere but in my mind I knew it would be best for my development to stay here and play to the best of my abilities.

"Everyone has seen over the last two years that I have improved and improved and that's what I want to do again this year."

AN ELDERLY patient at Croydon University Hospital died after being given a drug she had a "documented" allergy to.

The woman developed a fatal skin condition after being given four doses of Tazocin, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.

The drug was prescribed and administered despite medical records which showed she was allergic to it.

Croydon Health Services (CHS), the trust which runs the London Road hospital, has begun an investigation into the incident, which happened in June.

It initially declined to release any details about the incident or the patient - including gender or age - due to data protection. 

However, this afternoon (Friday) the trust confirmed she was an "elderly" woman. 

A spokesman said: "We take safety very seriously and a full investigation of this incident is underway.

"We extend our sincere condolences to the family and will be sharing the investigation results with them.

"We will not be commenting further on this case until the investigation has concluded."

The woman's death was listed as a 'serious incident' within papers published ahead of Croydon Clinical Commissioning Group's (CCG) public board meeting next Tuesday (September 2).

 "The grade 2 incident reported by CHS was a 2 Drug incident whereby Tazocin was prescribed and four doses given to a patient with a documented allergy to Tazocin," the report said. 

"The patient subsequently developed a severe erythrodermic reaction and died."

Erythroderma is a redness which involves all, or nearly all, of the skin's surface. It can be fatal and requires urgent treatment.

Tazocin is a brand name given to a medicine used to treat certain types of bacterial infections. It contains two drugs - piperacillin sodium and tazobactum sodium – which work together to kill bacteria.

The NHS website advises that special care should be taken when prescribing the drug, or it should not be taken at all, if a patient is allergic or sensitive to other antibiotics such as penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams or carbepenems.

The Advertiser understands the investigation into the patient's death will be completed within the next fortnight. 

Were you affected by this incident? Contact the gareth.davies@croydonadvertiser.co.uk or call 01737 783827. 

CRYSTAL Palace have revealed that Wilfried Zaha will wear the number 11 shirt during his loan spell with the club.

The winger has rejoined the Eagles on a season-long loan from Manchester United, and the club has revealed today (Friday) that Zaha will wear the number 11 shirt.

Zaha could feature tomorrow (Saturday) when Palace visit Newcastle United.

POLICE negotiators are trying to talk down a man from a roof of a house in Waddon.

Officers were called to reports of a burglary at the address in Barrow Road at 10.30am this morning (Friday). 

When they arrived, a man climbed out on to the roof and started throwing tiles and hurling obscenities at them.

The man is understood to be Joe Barnett, whose sister told the Advertiser that he lives at the house.

"He's not going to come down - there are too many tiles up there," a friend said. 

5pm update: Mr Barnett remains on the roof but the situation has calmed. He is no longer throwing things. He has been provided with a can of coke and several cigarettes - via a makeshift hoist - by people in the crowd.

5.30pm: After 30 minutes of calm Mr Barnett starts to throw tiles from the roof again. 

The road has been cordoned off and a large crowd of people has gathered outside. 

Mr Barnett, who is topless and wearing shorts, threw tiles at officers below. 

It is believed the former Haling Manor High School pupil accessed the roof by running upstairs and kicking a hole through it. 

A police car has been covered by tiles thrown from the building. 

A friend of Mr Barnett told the Advertiser: "He's just doing it for attention. If they [the police] let us talk to him, we would have him down in a few minutes, but they won't." 

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Police were called to reports of a burglary in Barrow Road this morning at 10.30am.

"On seeing police, the man climbed on to the roof where he started making threats and throwing tiles.

"The road was closed and police negotiators were called and are in the process of talking him down."

An eyewitness reported seeing police "chase" the man on to the roof.

"It's been going on for three hours," she said.

"The police are trying to coax him down. He's stripping all the roof tiles off the roof and throwing them at the police officers. The police cars are damaged.

"It looks like he's got something tied around his neck to stop him falling off, it looks like an aerial or a rope."

Reporter Andrew Jameson, who is at the scene, says there are around 20 police officers outside the house. London Ambulance Service has also been called as well as the fire brigade. 

He added: "The man is picking tiles off the roof and throwing them at the police waiting below with shields.

"He has thrown a tile from the roof and it's hit a car. He's getting some real distance."

Police officers with climbing apparatus arrived at the house at around 2.30pm. 

A MOTORCYCLIST injured in a collision with a car on Brighton Road in Purley will need two operations after suffering serious injuries to his leg.

The man, believed to be Jason Mulcahy, 40, severely damaged his knee and ankle during the incident.

London Ambulance Service (LAS) were called to the scene, near the junction with Christchurch Road, at around 6pm yesterday evening (Thursday).

Shaista Khokhar, who was in the nearby Rotary Field when the crash occurred, told the Advertiser: "I heard a big bang and I came to see what had happened.

"The driver of the car was crying and the man on the bike was bleeding on his leg."

The motorcyclist was taken to St George's Hospital, in Tooting, after the incident as a "priority", an LAS spokesperson said.

A 56-year-old man arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been bailed.

He was driving a Peugeot 307 which collided with a 79-year old man on Selsdon Park Road near the junction with Farnborough Avenue at 9am on Saturday (August 23).

The pedestrian was taken by London Ambulance Service (LAS) to St George's Hospital, in Tooting, but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The 59-year-old was questioned in custody before being released on bail until December 15.

Officers from the Road Death Investigation Unit, based at Catford, are investigating the incident.

An inquest into the death of the pensioner is due to open at Croydon Coroners' Court on Tuesday (September 2).

A "CAREER criminal" who pleaded guilty to 104 burglaries has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Anthony Murray, of Purley Way, admitted taking jewellery, electrical items and fishing equipment from a house in Woodplace Lane, Coulsdon, on April 25 last year.

He was brought to justice after a burglary at a farm in the Worth area of Crawley, West Sussex in which thousands of pounds of jewellery was stolen.

A CCTV image of the 31-year-old showed him at the premises on the afternoon of April 10 this year.

Officers later discovered a large haul of stolen items at his home, linking him to the crimes.

Murray's crime spree extended across Sussex and Surrey with high-value jewellery and electronic items regularly on his list.

After being charged the two offences, on April 25 last year, a further 102 burglaries dating back to March 2010 were taken into consideration. Those crimes all involved high value jewellery and electrical items being taken.

Detective Sergeant Lee Hazell, of Surrey Police, said: "Anthony Murray is a career criminal who we are pleased to see off the streets given his high level of offending in and around our county.

"The sentence handed to him reflects just how serious an impact his crime spree had on his victims who lost nearly £700,000 worth of goods as a result.

"It is all the more pleasing as we have been able to return some of the stolen items to their rightful owners."

Murray was sentenced on Tuesday (August 26) at Lewes Crown Court.

OUR weekly dose of Palace-inspired poetry from the Bard of Selhurst Park, James Miller...

Tony gone, Pulis goodbye,

Crystal Palace fans ask why?

Wipe our mouths, he's left, he's gone,

time to cheers a new gaffer on.

Many names thrown in the ring,

Who will SP and board bring in?

Malky leads, then Sherwood named,

Impressed the board the papers claimed

Rumours flying, who will it be?

Lennon, Hughton, Tim, Malky?

Moyes or Millen, Clark or Jol?

Who will take over control?

Many mentioned, few to stick,

Who and when will they pick?

Sherwood likely, so they said,

Staff demands, the deals dead.

Malky now the one to sign,

Odds drop, bets off, its Malky's time.

Silence, nothing, what's going on?

No deal and scandals, Moody's gone.

Keep the faith, I know I am.

A shaky show against West Ham,

Sherwood's odds then drop once more,

but who to come, it seems no ones sure.

Lennon firmly in the frame,

No talks took place was Lennon's claim.

As Cardiff say they wish to sue,

The drama, eagles fans used to.

Walsall beaten, good display,

A joy to watch Dwight Gayle play.

Still no gaffer, tick tock, tick tock,

announcement made, it's Neil Warnock.

Second time, steady the ship,

Signing players nice and quick.

Our boyhood diamond, shining star,

Welcome home Wilfred Zaha.

A mad, bad few weeks, palace fans feel,

But now we must get behind Neil.

No matter what the club goes through,

still sing, still chant, still RED and BLUE.