Van Thief Caught After Stealing Keys from Home Break-In
Home Invasion Turns Into Vehicle Theft Nightmare
Leon Cooper, 25, made a grave mistake when he broke into a house in Newthorpe Common, Eastwood, just before midnight on March 21. After stealing the keys, he drove off in a van, believing he could escape without a trace.
Stolen Van Stops in Moorgreen
His criminal streak ended less than 24 hours later. Around 3 p.m. the next day, police in an unmarked car spotted and pulled him over in the village of Moorgreen. Cooper tried to claim the van was unlocked with keys left in the ignition – a story he stuck to during his police interview.
Prison Sentence for Burglar and Joyrider
The 25-year-old from Somecotes’ Warwick Road eventually admitted to burglary and aggravated vehicle theft. Nottingham Crown Court handed down a 10-month prison sentence for the break-in plus another 14 weeks for stealing the van on Wednesday, June 22.
Police Issue Stern Warning
“This type of offence has a very significant impact on victims who have had their homes and lives violated,” said Nottinghamshire Police Investigator Nicola Wiley. “Cooper believed he could walk into someone else’s home, steal their car, and get away with it. He hadn’t counted on drawing the attention of the unmarked police car, which proved to be his undoing.”
“I am pleased that he has now been sentenced to prison, and I hope that this case serves as a warning to others who believe they can get away with driving stolen vehicles on our streets.”
