A man has been jailed for 26 weeks after he stole bank cards from cars and used them in shops in Aldershot.

William Wilkes, 26, of no fixed abode, gained access to three vehicles in the town in October. He took cash and banks cards from inside and later used the cards to buy items.

Officers launched an investigation and charged Wilkes with:

• Theft from a motor vehicle x 3
• Handling stolen goods x 2
• Fraud by false representation x 7

He pleaded guilty to all offences and was jailed for 26 weeks at Basingstoke Magistrates Court yesterday (28 October).

Police Sergeant Rob Tiller, from the Aldershot Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are aware of the impact theft from motor vehicles has on the local community and I hope this result reassures residents that we take all reports seriously.

“These incidents are often opportunistic. Offenders will try door handles to see if it’s been left unlocked or smash windows to grab items left inside. Thieves aren’t picky, they will take whatever is there and look at it later to see if it’s of any value.

“We know people do not intentionally leave belongings in cars, however please double check that nothing has been left behind.”

Please continue to report these incidents to us as every piece of information helps us build up our intelligence picture. Every report is reviewed and tells us what is going on and where so we can plan and target our resources better.

To make a report contact us on 101 or online via our website. If a crime is in progress, please call 999. For more advice to help you keep your car safe from thieves visit our website: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/vehicle-safe-and-sound/