Hidden camera sting catches thief

A Bristol thief has been caught in a sting operation using a hidden camera for the third time this year.

James Milsom, 21, from Mangotsfield, was caught by a covert capture car, which houses a tiny camera that begins photographing once a thief has broken in.

Officers bait the vehicle with typical articles mentioned on car insurance claim forms, such as satellite navigation systems, handbags, car stereos and mobile phones.

Police said Milsom took six seconds to break in to the car parked in Cumberland Road, steal a sat-nav device and make a quick getaway in broad daylight.

The 21-year-old was sentenced at Bristol Magistrates' Court to 14 weeks in prison for the theft.
In February and March, Milsom was caught on camera breaking in to two covert capture cars, which were parked in Queen Charlotte Street car park and Tyndalls Park Road, police said.

Superintendent Ian Wylie said: "Some of the photographs we have got from the cars have been excellent images. There is no doubt who the thief is and what they are doing. When faced with such evidence, there is no other way to go than guilty.”

Get a car insurance or home insurance quote now.