A man has been jailed for eight-and-a-half months after stealing bank cards and other items from vehicles and then fraudulently using the cards across Swindon.
Michael McDonagh, 46, of no fixed abode, appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 26 November charged with two counts of theft from a motor vehicle and three counts of fraud by false representation.
He pleaded guilty and was jailed for 36 weeks.
At around 9.30am Monday morning (25/11), McDonagh was arrested by officers on patrols in Swindon town centre for a theft from a motor vehicle in the town centre on the evening of November 24, and a similar offence in Cricklade Road, Swindon on November 13.
Enquiries from this investigation linked McDonagh to the fraudulent use of stolen bank cards at the Applegreen Petrol Station in Great Western Way.
He was remanded into custody following his arrest and jailed today.
PC Paul Bezzant said: “McDonagh is a prolific offender and I’m pleased he now faces time behind bars for his crimes.
“It’s important to highlight that McDonagh was only able to commit these crimes as the vehicles were left insecure, including a delivery courier as he collected an order from a fast-food establishment.
“Please don’t make your vehicle an easy target for thieves. Always remember to lock your vehicle, even if you are leaving it only for seconds. It only takes a moment for it to be stolen.
“Don’t leave items such as Christmas presents, or valuables like laptops, mobile phones, handbags, credit cards or cheque books in your car. If it’s unavoidable, put them in the boot and ensure equipment is completely switched off.
“Remove Satnavs, clean away suction marks on windows and make sure car doors, windows and sun roofs are all properly closed and locked.
“Leave absolutely nothing on show - you may know that there is no wallet in your jacket, but a thief will break a window just to check.”
For more vehicle safety advice, visit Keeping vehicles safe | Crime prevention | Wiltshire Police.
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