Suspended prison sentence for man who stole from cars in Wingerworth

Officers were alerted to reports of a man acting suspiciously around vehicles in the Mulberry Close area at around 3.50am on Sunday June 10.

They attended and stopped a man nearby; he was searched and arrested on suspicion of theft.

Further enquiries led to the man later being charged with stealing a mobile phone and aftershave from cars parked on Hazel Drive and Wellspring Close.

Ian Norman, 38, of North Side, New Tupton, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft before magistrates at Chesterfield Justice Centre on Monday, June 11.

He was sentenced to six weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay a total of £200 in costs and victim surcharges.

PCSO Mike Coates, of the Wingerworth and Rural Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We would like to remind people to always make sure their vehicles are fully locked and secure when unattended, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Please also make sure that you remove valuables from your vehicle, even from the glove box and boot.

“We'd also ask residents to report any suspicious activity, such as if you see someone going down a street and trying door car handles as they go, then they may be looking for an opportunity to steal from them. Your call could help to prevent a crime.”

To report suspicious activity call 101, unless a crime is in progress then the number is always 999.