Car Thief’s Bold Break-ins End in Jail
Joseph Carter went on a brazen crime spree, breaking into three homes and stealing cars from driveways not once but twice.
Spree Starts in Lenton
In the early hours of 18 November 2022, Carter sneaked into a house on Park Street, Lenton, while the homeowner slept upstairs. He swiped speakers and various electrical items from around the property. Then, spotting car keys inside, he made off in the vehicle parked outside.
More Burglaries and Car Thefts
On 13 December, Carter broke into a Radford home on Grimston Road, stealing a laptop, phone, and a bag containing bank cards. The very next day, he struck again in Bilborough’s Beaumont Square. Once inside, he grabbed the car keys and drove away in the homeowner’s car.
Caught and Sentenced
His luck ran out on 16 December when police stopped and searched him for another offence. Investigations then connected Carter to the Grimston Road break-in. Initially denying all charges, he later pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary.
The 30-year-old, who has no fixed address, appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on 21 April 2023. He was locked up for two years, four months, and 19 days—totaling 876 days behind bars.
Detective Constable Tim Townsend said: “Carter is a prolific burglar who showed no respect for the law. He waited until darkness to target homes where he thought no one was awake or present, stealing whatever he could. On two occasions, he thieved car keys and drove off undetected.”
“While he wasn’t caught at the scene, our officers tracked down stolen items and linked them back to him. This case highlights the power of stop-and-search tactics and the persistence of our team in piecing the evidence together.
“We’re glad Carter has now owned up to his crimes and hope he uses his time in prison to turn things around.”
