Norwich thief who targeted cars jailed for £10k crime spree

Frankie Saich, 38, roamed the city streets at night looking for insecure cars and stealing almost £10,000 worth of personal possessions.

The thefts between June 27 and November 21 took place in Magdalen Road, Long Row, Clarke Road and Essex Street.

Among the items he stole included purses and wallets, bank cards, coats, perfume and electronic devices.

He went on to use stolen debit cards to buy items for himself including scratch cards.

READ MORE: Frankie Saich charged for thefts from vehicles in Norwich

He was arrested on November 12 after someone flagged down a police car after seeing him trying car door handles.

Saich, of William Kett Close, Norwich, was found in possession of various items including a bracelet, phone, various cards, a driving licence, and several pairs of sunglasses.

He admitted to 13 offences including theft from motor vehicles, fraudulent use of stolen debit cards, interfering with a motor vehicle and theft.

After being charged he engaged with the Norfolk Police Operation Converter team and asked for a further 32 offences to be taken into consideration.

They comprised a further 25 thefts from motor vehicles, six interference with motor vehicles, and one theft from a supermarket.

Saich stole wallets, purses and personal possessions using bank cards to pay for drugs and scratch cards (Image: Getty Images)

Appearing before Norwich Magistrates' Court via video link from HMP Norwich, Saich said: “I’ve been on drugs for six years but I want to change.”

Michael Cole, mitigating, said: “He is basically not a bad person but unfortunately he is never going to succeed on his own without help.”

But jailing him for six months, District Judge Andrew Johnson told him “these are a series of offences where I cannot possibly suspend the sentence”. 

READ MORE: Half of Norfolk car theft cases closed without a suspect

The court was told the total value of items taken was £9,400 with some £6,130 recovered subsequently recovered.

Duncan Etchells, Op Converter staff supervisor, said: “Whilst his offending included stealing from insecure vehicles parked in residential areas, the public should not expect to have their vehicles entered and items stolen.

“It also serves as a timely reminder to lock vehicles as this may have stopped his opportunistic offending. 

“I can only hope he gets the support he needs whilst in custody and more importantly upon release to cease his offending.”