Thief jailed after leaving phone in car he broke into

A thief who smashed into vehicles across Basingstoke has been jailed for three years after he left his phone in one of the cars he targeted.

Ricky James who's 38 and of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to 12 thefts from motor vehicles, five fraud charges and one theft of a motor vehicle.

He also asked for seven thefts from motor vehicles to be taken into consideration.

Winchester Crown Court heard the offences happened between July 14 and August 3.

When stealing from vehicles he would smash a window to gain entry and steal purses or wallets from inside. He would then take any bank cards and use them to make contactless payments at nearby stores.

His phone was found in one of the cars he targeted, he was arrested again on August 3 at his sister’s house in Basingstoke.