Knicker thief caught on CCTV taking underwear from washing line

A night raider is caught on CCTV as he steals women's underwear from a frightened family's washing line. Mother Leanne Burrell set up the camera after a spate of thefts - and nicked a knickernicker called Luke Wicker. The incriminating film showed the thief then stuffing the undergarments into his own pants before fleeing over the garden fence.



Mrs Burrell, 40, turned detective after bras, knickers and other clothing - including some belonging to her 13-year-old daughter - vanished from her line earlier this year. When police searched Wicker's home in Biggin Hill, Kent, they found 65 items hidden behind his bed. They included 15 bras, 26 pairs of knickers and tights with the crotch areas cut out.

Wicker, 20, was given a four-month suspended sentence and 100 hours' community service by Bromley magistrates after admitting theft. He was also ordered to pay his victim £250 compensation and banned from contacting her or going to her home. Mrs Burrell said: "I was so scared I took the kids and went to stay at a friend's house. I didn't know if the person was playing some sexual game.


Photo from here.

"The whole thing sickens me and it will stay with us, like each time I go to buy knickers." Magistrate Ken Robins said: "This disturbing offence caused significant distress." Wicker's lawyer Aisling Rowe said: "My client has moved away due to threats of violence."