Thief caught on CCTV camera he stole from garage sent on thinking skills course

A man who stole a garage's CCTV camera was recognised by police from the machine's final moments of recording. Troy Hamilton's face filled the screen as he took the camera from Harry Tuffins Garage in Holywell, Flintshire, magistrates were told. The 27-year-old was told to carry out 40 hours unpaid work and was sent on a "thinking skills" course.



The magistrates, sitting at Mold Crown Court, heard that police were able to track the offender from the device's recordings. Wyn Jones, prosecuting, said film taken from the camera showed the defendant pulling up in his car, walk towards the camera, cut four wires and then force it off its holding bracket. He said Hamilton stole the camera because he wanted to improve security at his home where where "presumably he thought it would not be stolen".

But Hamilton's was recognised immediately from his close-up by an officer called to the theft. Hamilton, who admitted theft, handed himself in to police when he learned they want to arrest him, the court was told. Gary Harvey, defending, said his client was good with DIY and hoped to set up his own business repairing cars. His client had thought the camera would help keep his vehicle secure, Mr Harvey said. He said: "It's just one of those things. I think the less I say about it the better.



"He thought the camera would be useful to him. But he is known in the community and was instantly recognised. It is probably the most ridiculous offence you will ever hear about." Hamilton was also told to pay £200 compensation for the camera and £145 costs. He was sent on a thinking skills course - all 10 sessions - run by the probation service. Hamilton told the court he would be able to re-install the camera if that was needed.