A man has been sentenced to 24 weeks in prison after pleading guilty to five counts of theft from motor vehicle offences, one offence of trying to steal and for refusing to conduct a drug test in custody.

Martin Smith, aged 50 of no fixed abode, was charged late last night (10 June) and remanded to appear at Coventry Magistrates Court this morning, where he pleaded guilty to all offences and was given his sentence.

According to Leamington Police, forensic and CCTV evidence eventually led Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) officers to Smith, resulting in his arrest yesterday morning by officers from the team.

PC Lake from Leamington SNT said: "I'm pleased that Mr Smith has been sentenced to prison and I hope he spends the next 24 weeks contemplating his offending behaviour with a view to mending his ways. 

"I believe Smith was responsible for many more incidents of this nature, however, we simply did not have sufficient evidence to charge him with more offences, so I'm in no doubt that prison is the best place for him and for the people of Leamington. 

"We as a team won't stand for offending on this sort of scale, and will be monitoring him closely on his release."

In the year 2025, Leamington Police has observed a rise in thefts from cars, with a significant number of vehicles having their windows smashed and items stolen from inside