How a promising lawyer was unmasked as the culprit in a bizarre years-long crime spree
Sydney Morning Herald
by Clare SibthorpeFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A former promising lawyer turned master thief, Phillip See, has been unmasked as the perpetrator of a decade-long burglary spree targeting affluent homes across Sydney and Melbourne. The case, which remains one of the largest and most sophisticated burglary investigations in Australia, involved over 150 robberies, with victims including an Olympian and a war veteran. Authorities were baffled for years until a single swipe card from See’s wallet led to a breakthrough, revealing a treasure trove of stolen valuables worth $5.5 million.
See, who once worked as a paralegal at the Crown Solicitor’s Office in Sydney, began his criminal journey after succumbing to drug use and mental health challenges. His crimes escalated following his first stint in jail in the early 2000s, with increasingly complex and daring heists. One such heist involved breaking into a Melbourne warehouse with his father, Christopher See, using tools like a portable power saw to steal $900,000 worth of valuables while avoiding detection.
The case gained national attention due to the sheer scale and ingenuity of the crimes, including instances where See would repair damaged window frames after breaking in, leaving victims unaware of the intrusion until police intervened. His ability to evade capture for years was partly attributed to his meticulous planning and use of fake identities, which added a layer of complexity to the investigation.
Despite being sentenced to 12 years in jail a decade ago, See has now evaded prison again after reoffending and stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of valuables. Detective Acting Sergeant Cliff Pickett described See as uniquely invested in researching new ways to commit crime, often driven by the thrill of outsmarting authorities rather than financial gain.
The case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling sophisticated criminals like See, whose methods and motivations remain puzzling even after his capture. The story serves as a stark reminder of how individuals with seemingly promising starts can spiral into lives of crime, driven by personal struggles and an insatiable desire for challenge.
Verticals
worldaustralia
Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/14/2026