A MAN stole a number of items valued at hundreds of pounds from cars that were left unlocked in Worcester.

David Poyner, aged 19, stole items totalling £392, including sat navs, a car stereo and two ornamental statues during a spate of thefts with a youth who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Poyner pleaded guilty to four charges of theft from a motor vehicle when he appeared before Worcester magistrates. Sarah Stock, prosecuting, told the court the pair were caught after a witness called police at about 4.40am on Monday, August 20, after seeing two men break into a vehicle opposite her house.

The two were detained and Poyner received a caution for the incident. But Mrs Stock said: “Following that, it came to light that there had been a number of items of a similar description which were recovered. The police managed to identify who the property belonged to, and they were re-arrested. “There is a background of offending. The cars were in fact open. Both the defendants took the opportunity to take what property they could.” In interview, Poyner said they targeted cars in the London Road and Diglis areas of Worcester. He said he planned to sell the items on for money.

Barry Newton, defending, said the incident originated following a text exchange between Poyner and the youth, in which they decided they were bored and aimed to go out. He said: “Doors were tried, there was no damage or forced entry. Where a vehicle was found to be unlocked, items were taken. He very much regrets the antics of that particular evening.”

Mr Newton said Poyner had moved into the YMCA in Henwick Road, St John’s, and they are providing him with support. He was given a 12-month community order, with 12-month supervision, an 18-week activity order and must also pay £85 costs.