A FATHER and son "professional" phonebox raiding team from Pershore was found with stolen takings and tools in their car.

Andrew Scarrott, aged 39, and his son, also Andrew, aged 18, of Hurst Road, Pershore, were bailed until October 28 for pre-sentence reports by magistrates at Worcester last Friday.

Scarrott admitted theft and two charges of going equipped to steal. His son admitted aiding and abetting theft and going equipped to steal.

Liz Tweed, prosecuting, said after a telephone kiosk in Whichenford was raided on February 22, a car Scarrott was driving was stopped at White Ladies Aston and a lump hammer, adapted screwdrivers and a cordless drill were found in the car. "That is complete phonebox thief's tool kit," Ms Tweed said. "Under the passenger seat police found a carrier bag containing £241 in coins."

She said after police were called to Wick on August 30, where a car containing a cordless drill and toolbox was found, Scarrott was arrested nearby. "The prosecution is saying this man is a professional phonebox thief," Ms Tweed said.

Charles Hamer, for Scarrott jnr, said: "He presents himself as an accessory," and David Taylor, for Scarrott, told magistrates: "Before you think about sentence you ought to see a pre-sentence report to find out about him."