Video: Radford thief caught after targeting police ‘capture car’

An opportunist thief who stole an iPhone from an unlocked car was left stunned when arresting officers told him he'd targeted a police "capture car".

Following a spate of thefts from cars, officers left the unmarked police car in Pelham Crescent, in the Radford & Park area of Nottingham, to catch thieves in the act.

The unlocked vehicle was fitted with CCTV so that anyone who entered it would be captured on camera.

On Friday 29 May, a PCSO returned to the vehicle and found the front passenger door slightly open.

On closer inspection it was clear that the iPhone that was left in the centre console of the vehicle was missing and that an untidy search of the vehicle had taken place.

Offices checked the CCTV footage and discovered a clip of Harry Morgan – a prolific thief who is well-known to officers – entering the vehicle and stealing the phone.

The 39-year-old, of Peveril Street, Radford, was tracked down and arrested on Wednesday (3 June). At Nottingham Magistrates' Court the next day, he pleaded guilty to theft from a motor vehicle and was jailed for four weeks.

The sentence comes as the City Central Neighbourhood Policing team launches Operation Arriving – a crackdown on crime in the Radford area in response to a gradual rise in retail crime, auto crime and burglary over the past six months.

Under the plans, the force's Priority Tasking and Operational Support teams will be drafted in to support neighbourhood officers in executing warrants and carrying out enforcement activity, including multiple days of action.

Crime prevention postcards will also be distributed in hotspot areas, reminding people of the simple measures they can take to thwart burglars and petty thieves.

Meanwhile, proactive patrols will be increased to ensure Radford becomes as hostile as possible for criminals to operate.

Inspector Liz Gaskin, who leads the neighbourhood team, welcomed the custodial sentence imposed on Morgan, who committed the offence while on licence from prison. She said:

"Morgan is a prolific offender and we welcome the decision to put him back behind bars.

"This is not the first time capture cars have been used in the area and it is always pleasing when this tactic results in a successful prosecution.

"We have seen a gradual increase in auto crime in recent months and this will not be tolerated.

"It is why we have launched Operation Arriving and our message to criminals like Morgan could not be clearer – people are fed up of your criminal behaviour. It will not be tolerated and we will continue to use every tool and power at our disposal to make sure you are caught and put before the courts.

"As a neighbourhood policing team, we will do whatever is necessary to reduce crime in the Radford area. However we also need help from the public and I would really like to encourage motorists to be vigilant against opportunist thieves who are walking around, usually at night, trying as many doors and windows as they can until they find one that is unsecure.

"Please make sure your car is secured when you leave it parked at night.

"Make sure your car is locked, windows closed, and that all valuables are removed.

"Some of these incidents have resulted in glass being broken so that thieves can get hold of items within. However, the majority of targeted vehicles have not been locked.”

If you see anyone acting suspicious around vehicles in these areas we would urge you to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101.