Southampton Burglar Busted Over Facebook Bike Scam
Thomas Anthony Wellman, 25, from Commercial Road, Southampton, has been slammed with a hefty prison sentence after pleading guilty to a sneaky bike burglary.
Fake Facebook Profile Used to Steal Bike
Wellman arranged to view a bike listed on Facebook Marketplace by using a fake profile. On 7 February 2022, he targeted an address on Corbin Road. The victim, a man in his 30s, had left the bike in a lean-to for inspection. When no one turned up, he went to move the bike – only to find it missing.
Stepping outside, the victim spotted a Nissan Micra speeding off with the stolen bike in the back. Police later found the car and Wellman nearby on Shakespeare Drive, Totton.
Forensics Nail Wellman, Who Faces Multiple Charges
Wellman was arrested on 21 April 2022 after DNA at the scene matched him. Phone data revealed he was in the area at the time and accessed the fake Facebook account used for the scam.
At Southampton Crown Court on 23 March, he was handed an 18-month sentence for burglary. But that’s not all:
- 14 months for dangerous driving – after he zoomed at 136mph and went the wrong way round a roundabout, dodging police on 30 November 2022.
- Two months for assaulting emergency workers – he kicked one officer and spat at another during his arrest (one month served concurrently).
- One month for breaching bail conditions – after cutting off his ankle tag on 7 October 2022.
Police Warn Shoppers: Stay Sharp When Selling Online
“This sentence shows we will use all the tools at our disposal, including forensics, to bring offenders to justice,” said Hampshire Police.
“We want to remind everyone that selling online can be dangerous. Be cautious and report any suspicious contact.
“If a message or profile seems dodgy, trust your instincts and walk away. Avoid sharing where you live and meet in a public place when buying or selling items.”
