MAIDENHEAD, UK — A man has been jailed following a Thames Valley Police investigation into theft and weapon offences.
Shane Lee Nicholls, 44, of Lesters Road, Cookham, was sentenced to six months in jail at Reading Magistrates Court on Thursday, 13 November.
Nicholls pleaded guilty to:
Handling stolen goods
Possession of a knife or sharp pointed article in a public place
Burglary other than dwelling – theft
The investigation began on Wednesday, 12 November, after a victim reported that items including a laptop, mouse, and headphones had been stolen from their vehicle overnight.
Sergeant Luke Jenkins and Inspector Natasha Gidda, on foot patrol in Maidenhead town centre, detained two men for a stop and search. One man was found carrying a bag containing the stolen items, along with business cards identifying the victim. Officers promptly returned the items to their owner.
Nicholls was also linked to a burglary at a Sainsbury’s in October, where CCTV captured a man stealing food via a rear entrance. He was charged and remanded for all three offences on the same day.
Sergeant Jenkins said:
“This incident highlights the successful use of stop and search and foot patrolling by Neighbourhood Police. We were able to promptly return stolen items to the victim, preventing further disruption. We encourage anyone to report thefts from vehicles, no matter how small, as it helps identify offenders like Nicholls.”
