A burglar who ransacked a Nottingham opticians was found hiding in a commercial bin after trying to run from police.
Ashley Lawrence broke into Gray & Bull Opticians, in the city centre, shortly after 5am on Wednesday last week (5 November).
CCTV captured the 37-year-old using his body weight to smash a glass door, before stealing around 50 pair of high-value sunglasses and glasses frames worth approximately £8,000.
He was arrested on Saturday (8 November) after a staff member saw him loitering near the shop, in Pelham Street.
Officers attended and gave chase, with Lawrence trying to evade capture by hiding in a large commercial refuse bin next to St Peter’s Church.
He was found and detained after members of the public guided officers to his whereabouts.
Lawrence, of no fixed address and who was wanted on a recall to prison, was taken into custody and charged with burglary.
He admitted the offence during an appearance at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday (10 November) and jailed for 12 months.
Arresting officer PC Ben King, of the City Centre neighbourhood policing team, said:
“This was an appalling crime and I’d like to thank the staff member and the public for helping us apprehend Lawrence.
“Regrettably, he is well-known to us as he is a persistent offender who has repeatedly failed to comply with court orders since 2022.
“Over this period, he has amassed numerous convictions for theft-related offences, including a series of shoplifting incidents throughout 2023 and 2024, many of which resulted in custodial sentences.
“Needless to say, we are pleased he is back behind bars and I am sure local businesses share that sentiment.
“I hope this latest conviction reassures them that we are fully committed to tackling retail crime and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.”