A tip-off from a member of the public inadvertently led to a phone thief being tracked down and hauled before the courts.
Officers attended Church Walk, Newark, after a resident reported seeing someone who they believed had committed a criminal offence.
While no further action was taken in connection with this, police recognised Christopher Jenkins-Coupe when they arrived around 11.45am on Tuesday (8 October).
The 36-year-old immediately flagged up on the police system as being a suspect in a theft a week earlier on 1 October at Newark’s Cash Converters, in Carter Gate.
On that occasion, Jenkins-Coupe walked into the store and brazenly invited himself into the staff-only area behind the counter without anyone noticing.
He then proceeded to help himself to three phones worth a combined £1,600, before making a beeline for the exit with the stolen items still in his possession.
The theft was discovered by staff members shortly afterwards, who then reported the incident to the police, with Jenkins-Coupe established as a suspect following an investigation.
After being caught a week later, he pleaded guilty to multiple counts of theft during an appearance at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (9 October).
Jenkins-Coupe, of Sherwood Avenue, Newark, was made subject of a one-year community order that same day.
Under the order, he must attend a six-month alcohol treatment requirement and complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
Jenkins-Coupe was also ordered to pay £1,600 in compensation.
Sergeant James Skeats, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This provided a great example of the role the public can play in helping us respond to reports of crime.
“While we were initially called about an unrelated incident, that report inadvertently led to us locating Jenkins-Coupe, who stole three phones a week earlier.
“We’d ask anyone who has any concerns about potential criminality in their community to continue reporting it to the police by calling us on 101.
“We’re pleased to see Jenkins-Coupe has now owned up to what he did and that he has now been punished for his actions.”
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