By Adam Dutton via SWNS
A brazen thief caught on CCTV stealing a Friends box set and smashing a car window with a FRYING pan has dodged jail.
Footage shows Thomas Crampton, 34, grab the $90 Blu-ray set and shove it under his coat before walking out of FOPP in Nottingham.
Staff witnessed the theft on September 24 and called Nottinghamshire Police who distributed the CCTV images to their patrol officers.
A neighborhood officer recognized Crampton from the pictures and he was arrested on October 19 after being spotted in the city’s South Parade.
Crampton had previously been caught on CCTV breaking into a car with a frying pan in The Hickings Building in Queens Road on August 8.
He then searched the car before fleeing empty-handed.
Crampton, of Nottingham, admitted theft and attempted theft from a motor vehicle when he appeared at the city’s magistrates on Monday (21/10).
He was jailed for 12 weeks, suspended for a year and ordered to complete 10 rehabilitation activity days and pay compensation totalling $253.
Sergeant Jono Pothercary, of the City Centre neighbourhood policing team, said:
“Retail crime is hugely impactful to businesses and that is why we keep a look out for identified suspects when carrying our proactive patrols.
“Vehicle crime also has a detrimental impact on victims and we will always do everything we can to investigate and pursue those responsible.
“Nottinghamshire Police has a stern stance on these types of crimes and, as this case demonstrates, we will arrest, charge and put suspects before the courts.
“I hope this actions reassures the public that we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure the city center remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”
