A prolific burglar in Cardiff, Phillip Thompson, was caught on CCTV disguised as a Just Eat delivery driver stealing parcels from people’s homes. He used a fake Just Eat bag to hide stolen goods and employed various tactics to trick his way into buildings, including pretending to be a decorator. Thompson’s criminal activities were uncovered by South Wales Police, who saw a pattern emerging in his thefts.
Thompson avoided looking directly at CCTV cameras and placed stolen parcels in his bag in multiple locations. After being identified using facial recognition technology, he was arrested in November 2023. During questioning, Thompson admitted to numerous thefts, leading to further investigations by the police.
Thompson was charged with 11 offences of burglary and eventually admitted to a total of 27 offences. He pleaded guilty at Cardiff Crown Court and was sentenced to seven years and one month in prison. Detective Inspector Phillip Marchant praised the team’s efforts in identifying and apprehending Thompson, emphasizing the importance of supporting burglary victims.
The case was featured on BBC’s Crimewatch Live, where Detective Sergeant Andy Coakley detailed Thompson’s tactics and the police’s efforts to track him down. Thompson’s openness during questioning was described as unusual, as he disclosed additional locations he had targeted. His admission to further offences led to a broader investigation by the police.
Thompson’s criminal activities, which involved pretending to be a delivery driver to commit thefts, have highlighted the importance of vigilant policing in tackling such crimes. The successful apprehension and sentencing of Thompson serve as a reminder of the dedication of law enforcement in addressing burglary offences and supporting affected communities.