The notorious ‘fisherman’s hat’ burglar who is suspected of plundering an estimated £10m from Wimbledon homes over the past decade may have struck again last night.

Police were called to reports of a burglary in Home Park Road in the early hours of this morning.

Police were called at 2.40am.

A helicopter and police dogs were drafted in to look for the thief who had taken a quantity of cash from the home but no one was found.

The crime was said to have all the hallmarks of the prolific thief known as the ‘fisherman’s hat’ burglar who has been terrorising Wimbledon Village for almost 10 years.

Despite being caught on CCTV that was featured on a TV Crimewatch appeal and his photo widely circulated by the Metropolitan Police he has never been caught.

He is a suspect in more than 150 Wimbledon burglaries where the thief cunningly snuck through gardens, silencing security alarms and disguising his thefts so victims do not realise they have been robbed straight away.

He often wears a black fisherman’s hat and black clothing and targets detached houses in Wimbledon Village.

Once inside an address he will use his jacket and pockets to 'bag' items such as cash and jewellery, according to a police.

On at least three occasions, the burglar has been disturbed by occupants who have been within their homes whilst the burglary has taken place.

In the Home Park Road burglary, the man is described as slim, 5ft 6ins, wearing a dark grey jacket and loose trousers.