South Shields drug addict stole goods worth thousands from three cars in one night
Thousands of pounds worth of goods were stolen from three cars in South Tyneside in one night.
A South Tyneside chronic drug addict pinched thousands of pounds of pricy goods from three cars on the same night, a court heard.
Ian Greener, 40, targeted the vehicles in close proximity in a South Shields neighbourhood on Sunday, June 7, prosecutor George Johnston said.
Key among the items he said were taken was a prized engagement ring, although Greener, of Richmond Road, South Shields, insisted he had not.
His confirmed haul from that same vehicle was perfumes, cash, bank cards, a bicycle, sunglasses, necklace, a tote bag and cream.
From a second car, he stole designer sunglasses and a sat nav, valued at £320, and from the third, two jackets, other clothing and a mobile phone, priced at £1,182.
More than £4,400-worth of stolen goods
Mr Johnston told South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court: “All three offences are of a very similar nature and took place in the early hours.
“In the first it is alleged an engagement ring was taken. The total items taken was £4,425. The second was a sat nav device, and £1,182 in the last.
“The defendant was found just before 8am and police became concerned for his wellbeing. He was described as being in and out of sleep.
“In his possession was a BMX bike, clothing and bank cards in the name of a female. They retrieved the items and called for an ambulance.
“He denied the engagement ring, which is a substantial part of the value.”
‘A significant amount of property taken was recovered’
Greener pleaded guilty to three counts of theft from a motor vehicle.
Chris Wilson, defending said: “Quite clearly there’s a discrepancy between what the victim says and what the defendant has said.
“At the time, he was a chronic drug addict, and the police attended due to a report there was an ill person in the street.
“He has made significant progress around his drug addiction and is turning his life around.
“He has an opportunity of employment in Portsmouth at a naval dockyard to work as a painter and shot blaster.
“A significant amount of property taken was recovered. The offences were committed on the spur of the moment, there was no planning.”
Magistrates adjourned for a report and Greener will be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, November 24.