Failed businessman caused hike in area’s car crime figures

Serial car thief Nicky Rees (40) has been jailed for 18 months for a series of crimes across the county.

The failed businessman smashed dozens of windows in cars to steal bank cards which he used to make “contactless” payments, Sheffield Crown Court heard, notching up so many crimes between March and May he dramatically influenced police statistics.

He struck at Thorpe Hesley, Wortley Golf Club, Hoyland Sports Centre, Bannatyne's Gym at Dodworth, Penistone, Silkstone, Barnsley and as far afield as Hull.

Rees, who turned to drugs when a business venture failed, began his spree in Hull on March 9 when he stole a doctor’s bag from her car.

The bag was found abandoned in a ditch at Gilberdyke as Rees’ returned to his home in Newton Place, Thorpe Hesley.

He was finally arrested two months later at Chapeltown and confessed all of his crimes to the police.

Rees appeared at Sheffield Crown Court for sentence this week, when he admitted six offences of theft from cars and nine of fraud by false representation.

He asked for 55 similar offences to be considered and in addition admitted failing to surrender, criminal damage and driving without a licence or insurance.

Miss Zaiban Alam, prosecuting, said Rees would break into unattended cars and steal bags and wallets before taking credit and debit cards which he used at local shops.

He bought items such as cigarettes and scratch cards below the £30 limit of “contactless” payments which did not require a PIN number, she said.

“It is hugely convenient for the individual but for the purpose of fraud it is very easy for fraud to take place,” said Miss Alam.

Rees would use the cards once and then discard them. In total he stole about £1,500 this way.

He was accused of stealing a £7,000 Rolex watch from a car at Bannatyne's but denied the theft and the matter was dropped when the owner did not pursue it.

The most serious theft was that of the doctor’s bag containing medical equipment. 

“Clearly it caused her and the GPs practice some difficulty,” said Miss Alam.

Rees, who came from an affluent background, fell behind with tax in a busines venture and was taken to court for tax evasion, which left him penniless.

His marriage broke down and he began dabbling in drugs, becoming addicted to heroin.

“It was a combination of drugs and misuse of alcohol and for two to two-and-a-half months it spiralled out of control,” said his lawyer, Mr Sean Fritchley. 

“The offences were not sophisticated.”

Rees had been remanded in custody since his arrest and weaned off heroin through the use of methadone, Mr Fritchley said, adding: “He wishes to make a fresh start and make a new start in his life.”

He argued for a suspended jail sentence, saying the spell inside had taught Rees a lesson.

The court heard Rees had only been released from prison in February for other matters. 

He told police he was glad to be arrested and needed to break the cycle he was in.

Judge Simon Lawler told him: “These offences as you well know cause the most enormous inconvenience although you had your problems with drink and drugs.”