Three thieves from Stafford have been caught on camera stealing high-value bicycles from outside a local supermarket, with the footage leading directly to their identification and subsequent court appearances.
CCTV Evidence Leads to Swift Apprehension
CCTV cameras clearly captured Steven Dawkins, Kirsty Rigby, and Dominique Edensor in the act of taking two bicycles that had been securely padlocked to racks at an unnamed supermarket in Stafford. The bicycles were each valued at around £700, making the total theft worth approximately £1,400.
Police were alerted to the incident in October of last year when the rightful owners returned to the supermarket only to discover their bicycles had vanished. Officers reviewing the surveillance footage were able to recognise the offenders from the images, leading to their prompt apprehension shortly after the crime was reported.
Court Proceedings and Multiple Charges
Dawkins, aged 34, and Rigby, aged 37, both residents of Stafford, appeared before Cannock Magistrates’ Court on Friday, January 23. Rigby admitted to aiding and abetting the theft, while Dawkins pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and going equipped for theft.
Significantly, Dawkins also admitted guilt to a further 21 theft offences related to bicycles reported stolen throughout Stafford during the previous year, highlighting a pattern of criminal activity.
Edensor, also 34 and from Stafford, appeared at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Saturday, January 24. She admitted to two counts of bicycle theft, possession of a bladed article in a public place in relation to a separate matter, and failure to answer court bail.
Sentencing Hearings Scheduled
Both Dawkins and Rigby have been bailed ahead of a sentencing hearing scheduled for May 21. Edensor has also been bailed, with her sentencing hearing set to take place at Cannock Magistrates’ Court on March 12.
Police Statement on Community Safety
PC Jack Cotton from Staffordshire Police commented on the case, stating: “I’m glad Dawkins, Rigby and Edensor admitted their involvement in the theft, and that another 21 victims have also had justice, knowing the individual responsible for the thefts has been dealt with by the courts.”
He further emphasised the police force’s commitment: “I hope this shows how determined we are to identify and disrupt those involved in criminal enterprise in the communities of Staffordshire.”
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of securing valuable property, even in seemingly safe public locations like supermarket bike racks. The successful use of CCTV footage in this case demonstrates how modern surveillance technology can play a crucial role in solving crimes and bringing offenders to justice.
