Pensioner catches milk thieves with washing up liquid trick

A pensioner lapped up two milk thieves in a sting operation with washing-up liquid. Retired James Jones turned amateur sleuth after he and his neighbours had milk bottles stolen from their doorsteps several times over the last few weeks. One morning the fed-up 72-year-old filled one of his bottles with a mixture of Fairy Liquid and water, put the top back on the opaque bottle, and then sat waiting for the thieves to return. He said: “I thought I would be a bit of an Inspector Clouseau and try to find out who was doing it.

“I got up at just before 5am when my milk arrived and changed the milk in one bottle to the Fairy Liquid and water mix. It was not a see-through bottle so no one could tell. I sat in my armchair in the lounge with the hall door open and waited.” When he saw an arm go to snatch the bottle just before 6am, Mr Jones came out the house to see two men running down the road with his milk. The pensioner shouted after them and watched as one of the men went to take a drink from the bottle.



Former Electricity Board worker Mr Jones, of Kearsley Drive, Rhyl, said: “He had one swig and his face creased up and I saw the bottle fly up in the air – all I could do was laugh.” He was able to get a close look at the pair and called the police, who were swiftly on the scene. He said: “They must have been very quick because they caught them close by. They even came to get the discarded bottle, as evidence I presume. I’m pleased I was able to help.”

The thieves appeared at Llandudno Magistrates Court yesterday. Mark Mayne, 23, and Peter Biggins, 25, both unemployed and of Maes Cwm, Rhyl, admitted stealing two pints of milk and the bottle of washing up liquid. They were each fined £85 with £100 costs and 83p compensation to the victim. The pals had spent 28 hours in police custody after being caught by officers, the court was told.