A HOMELESS man who caught by members of the public has been jailed for 40 weeks.
Shane Stewart, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a motor vehicle and one count of commercial burglary at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 14.
The incident happened on Friday, November 10.
Stewart was held by members of the public after he had broken into a car and stolen items from a car in Wokingham.
Officers attended and arrested Stewart, who tried to hide his identity by giving false details.
He was also found to be wearing items he had taken from the car.
At the same hearing, Stewart was also connected to a commercial burglary at a shop in Ashridge Road, Wokingham on Wednesday, October 18, this year.
While smashing a window to gain access, Stewart has cut himself. A forensic test was carried out, matching his blood.
Other offences taken into consideration: 12 offences of vehicle interference, and theft from motor vehicles in Wokingham between Tuesday, October 3, and Thursday, November 9, in which car doors were tried and then items such as cash and other easy to carry items were taken.
Stewart was arrested on Friday, November 10, and charged the following day.
Detective Sergeant Johnathan Hare based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “Stewart had clearly been carrying out a number of offences to deprive others of their property as well as causing damage at a shop in order to take items.
“I would like to thank the members of the public who assisted in apprehending Stewart and helping us putting him before the court to face justice.
“This investigation and subsequent conviction shows that Thames Valley Police are committed to fighting acquisitive crime, serving victims and making our communities safer.”
