Thief jailed for breaking into cars across Merseyside and beyond

A thief has been jailed today at Liverpool Crown Court for two years, seven months after breaking into cars across Merseyside and beyond.

Steven Anthony Barton, 47 years, of Elloway Road, Liverpool stole from cars in West Derby, Widnes, Aintree, Wigan, Hunts Cross and Speke in a series of thefts that began in November last year.

Barton repeatedly waited in car parks at gyms and targeted unattended cars when he knew items had been left inside. he stole items including bank cards, which he was later caught on CCTV using in shops.

When officers attempted to arrest Barton on 2 December, he tried to evade capture by driving away from police at speed, through red lights and on the wrong side of the road. In the interests of public safety the pursuit was called off.

He was subsequently detained on 10 January in David Lloyd car park in Kirkby, in a car with a registration plate he had doctored. He was found to be in possession of a glove and screwdriver, and a number of stolen items were recovered from the vehicle including a Dell laptop and Mac Book Pro.

He was later convicted of:

Five counts of fraud by false representation

Two counts of going equipped for theft

Four counts of handling stolen goods

Four counts of theft from a motor vehicle

In relation to the incident on 10 January, he was further charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

He has been disqualified from driving for two years from his release from prison.

Steven Barton uses a stolen bank card at a shop in Wigan

Community Inspector Paul Holden said: “Like many thieves, Barton was an opportunist who waited to see when victims left items in their car or looked for signs that a vehicle contained items worth stealing. He deliberately went to gym car parks with the intention of stealing from unsuspecting victims.

“Barton is behind bars where he belongs, and we can all breathe a little easier as a result. But I want to take this opportunity to urge other car owners to frustrate people like Barton by taking a few very quick and simple steps whenever leave their vehicle for any period of time.
“Firstly, always lock your car fully and leave it somewhere which is well-lit and, if possible, covered by CCTV cameras. If you have a security alarm, make sure you use it.

“Part of the reason we identified Barton and were able to reunite some victim’s with their property is because he was caught on CCTV, and we know in many cases the presence of lighting and CCTV can deter would-be thieves.

“Secondly, take every item of value and cash with you when you park up and certainly don’t leave any on display – sat navs leave tell-tale suction marks on your windscreen, car adaptors can indicate something valuable may be inside.
“And thirdly, register your valuables with the free website Immobilise.com so that if we catch the thief who stole them, we can reunite you with your belongings.”