Thirsty thief caught out by DNA left behind on can of pop

LEE PEACOCK STOLE £400-WORTH OF PPE AND WORK EQUIPMENT FROM A CAR

- By SARA NICHOL Court reporter [e-mail]

A THIEF left behind a can of pop with his DNA on when he broke into a car and stole PPE and work equipment. Lee Peacock targeted the vehicle during the night when it was parked outside the owner's home.

A court heard that the 39-year-old helped himself to £400-worth of goods, including PPE and binoculars, and made off. But the hapless crook left behind his can of drink, which was covered in his DNA. Forensic examination soon linked Peacock to the can and he was arrested.

However, two months later, the thief was also caught using a stolen bank card, which had been taken from another vehicle. Peacock tried to make two transactions, worth a total of £61.99, at a shop in Lemington.