Canterbury thief is filmed on CCTV cameras he was stealing (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

CCTV raider takes his own mugshot while unscrewing security equipment

7:10am Wednesday 16th May 2012 in News By Steve Wright, Crime Reporter

This thief has been framed – caught in the act by the CCTV cameras he was stealing.

The hollow-cheeked raider was captured staring straight into the cameras as he unbolted them from the wall of student Thomas Goodall’s house in Powell Avenue, Canterbury, Bradford.

The two cameras, valued at £150 each, had been provided by Mr Goodall’s father, an alarm company boss, and put up by his brother Robert only three days before.

Now Bradford South Police have released this image of the thief, who struck at 10pm on March 31.

The suspect was white, and wore light coloured jeans with a hole in the knees and a light coloured hooded top.

Mr Goodall, 19, who is studying business economics at the University of Bradford, decided to put up the security cameras at the semi-detached house, which he bought for £65,000, after a number of incidents of vandalism.

He said: “While Robert was putting up the CCTV system, someone smashed a window in his van and stole a bag from it.

“Three days later this guy came and unbolted the two cameras and took them.

“It’s really annoying. I saved up to buy the house, with some help from my dad. It’s my first home and I really liked the house. But I’m going to sell it now. It’s just not worth the hassle. It’s really galling because I was just trying to get on with my life and do something productive.

“Most likely, this bloke is going to sell on the cameras. Anyone who knows him, or knows where the cameras are, should contact the police.”

Sergeant John Redding, of the Bradford South Volume Crime Management Unit, said: “This footage has provided us with a clear image of a man we would like to speak to in connection with this theft.

“He clearly has no issue with exposing his identity to the camera and it is likely he lives in the local area.

“It may be that the person responsible for this offence has tried to sell the cameras and we would like to hear from anyone who has been approached. Likewise, they may have been taken to a specialist electronics store for a cash trade.

“If you recognise the person caught on camera or have information about the theft, we would like to hear from you immediately.

“Please let us know on the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.”