Moment a sat-nav thief was caught out

 

Last updated at 10:20am on 26th January 2007

This is the moment a teenage thief was caught red-handed by undercover officers in a police sting.

 

The youth on a bicycle had spotted a satellite navigation system attached to the windscreen of a parked car. He smashed the side window and grabbed the device within two seconds.

But this time police were watching his every move.

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The device was a dummy and the vehicle a “bait car” left in a street in Ealing, London, as part of the sting. An unmarked police car swung round the corner and the teenager was swooped on by two plain-clothed women officers as he tried to flee.

Police released these CCTV images as they launched a massive crackdown on vehicle crime.

The popularity of sat-nav handsets has caused a surge in offences, making it one of the Met’s main priorities.

While overall figures have stabilised in the capital, there have been huge increases in vehicle crime in central and west London.

The latest statistics since April last year show a 17.3 per cent rise in Camden, a 26 per cent hike in Hillingdon, and almost 10 per cent more offences in Richmond.

There have also been more victims in Hammersmith and Fulham, Westminster, Brent, Harrow, Ealing and Hounslow.

Much of the rise is blamed on in-car technology which can be sold on the black market at a high price.

Most sat-nav systems cost between £200 and £400 and are fixed to the windscreen using a sucker.

Many drivers are leaving their sat-navs under a seat or in the glove box with the holder still stuck to the windscreen — attracting criminals to their car.

Increasing numbers of disabled motorists are also falling victim to criminals who break into their cars to steal their blue badges. The badges allow drivers to park for free in many restricted neighbourhoods and shopping areas.

This youth pleaded guilty to theft from a motor vehicle and was given a community order at Ealing magistrates court.

It was going really well until this happened

This youth was given a community order at Ealing magistrates court.

It was going really well until this happened

 

Might have something to do with the fact there's no room in any of the prisons!!:rolleyes:

He doesn't even deserve prison! ;)

He doesn't even deserve prison! ;)

 

So what does he deserve??:confused:

A bitch slap. :dozey:

So what does he deserve??:confused:

A one way sat-nav trip to Alpha Centuri is a good start :rolleyes: