Tackling thefts from vehicles - success for neighbourhood policing team

The Neighbourhood Policing Team in Northampton have been working hard in recent months to tackle a series of thefts from vehicles and are now seeing their perseverance turn into success.

Operation Waffle was launched earlier this year to tackle an increase in thefts from motor vehicles which becomes more common at this time of year when daylight decreases. 

Now, their hard work has translated into success with some key players brought to justice for their crimes.

Joey Warpole, 30, of no fixed abode, was remanded into custody for failing to appear at Northampton Magistrates' Court on November 24, 2022. The missed appearance was in relation to a theft from motor vehicle offence in October in Cross Waters Close, Northampton. He was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison.

Connor Richings, 30, of no fixed abode, was charged with a theft that took place on November 10, 2022, in Semilong Road, Northampton, and sentenced to four weeks in prison.

Callum Gordon, 32, of no fixed abode, was charged with a fraud offence relating to the use of a stolen bank card from a theft from motor vehicle on November 23, 2022, in Grafton Street, Northampton, and sentenced to six weeks in prison.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector – Nicola Davis-Lyons, said: “The prosecutions above are a result of some fantastic teamwork between our Neighbourhood, Response, Operations and Intelligence teams who have all worked tirelessly to ensure these prolific offenders are brought to justice.

“We don’t underestimate how impactive this type of crime can be on our communities and I am really pleased that these sentences will allow people to enjoy the festive period without fear of further offences being committed.

“Our work will not stop here and we will continue into 2023 tackling those responsible for vehicle crime.”

A fourth man – Colm Hyland, 43, has been charged with a fraud offence relating to the use of a stolen bank card from a theft from motor vehicle on November 23, 2022, in Grafton Street, Northampton, and will next appear at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on March 3, 2023.