Doncaster Car Thief and Bogus Workman Jailed Under Op Castle

Operation Castle Secures Dual Convictions

Two prolific offenders have been sentenced to prison following intensive investigations by South Yorkshire Police’s dedicated Operation Castle team. The initiative, specifically designed to tackle residential burglaries across Doncaster, has secured convictions for both a serial car thief and a heartless distraction burglar.

Serial Car Thief Sentenced

Liam Shead, 34, of Rowena Drive, Scawsby, was targeted by detectives investigating a sophisticated pattern of vehicle thefts across Doncaster. Shead stole parked vehicles, later driving them across the country utilizing false license plates. Upon his arrest in a stolen vehicle, police seized his mobile phone, which contained damning videos, voice notes, and text messages relating to the thefts. Faced with overwhelming evidence, Shead pleaded guilty to six counts of motor vehicle theft and was sentenced to three years in prison at Sheffield Crown Court on May 26.

Cruel Deception of Elderly Resident

In a separate case, 31-year-old Antony Wilks of Queens Crescent, Edlington, was jailed for three years on May 28 for a despicable distraction burglary. Wilks callously targeted a vulnerable elderly woman by posing as a legitimate tradesman offering to clean her gutters. While her back was turned, Wilks raided her drawers, stealing a purse, deeply sentimental jewellery, and a 43-inch television. Crucially, Wilks was tracked down through telecommunications data after foolishly providing the victim with his own phone number. PC Josh Kubon described the offending as "cruel and heartless," emphasizing the severe psychological impact on the victim.

Protecting Against Bogus Callers

Distraction burglars frequently prey on the elderly by posing as utility workers or tradespeople. To protect vulnerable residents:

• Always utilize a door chain or spyhole when answering the door to unexpected callers.
• Never agree to have property maintenance work carried out by unsolicited doorstep callers; always use trusted, vetted professionals.
• If a caller claims to be from a utility company, keep them outside and call the company directly using a number from a recent bill to verify their identity.