A Swindon man has been jailed for eight-and-a-half months for stealing bank cards and other items from vehicles and then fraudulently using the cards.

Michael McDonagh, 46, of no fixed abode, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on Tuesday, November 26, after being charged with two counts of theft from a motor vehicle and three counts of fraud by false representation.

Mr McDonagh pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to 36 weeks' imprisonment.

The court heard that at around 9.30am on Monday, November 25, Mr McDonagh was arrested in Swindon town centre for a theft from a vehicle in the town centre the previous evening.

He was also arrested for a similar offence committed in Cricklade Road on Wednesday, November 13.

Enquiries from this investigation linked McDonagh to the fraudulent use of stolen bank cards at the Applegreen Petrol Station in Great Western Way.

PC Paul Bezzant said: "McDonagh is a prolific offender and I'm pleased he now faces time behind bars for his crimes.

"It's important to highlight that McDonagh was only able to commit these crimes as the vehicles were left insecure, including a delivery courier as he collected an order from a fast-food establishment.

"Please don't make your vehicle an easy target for thieves. Always remember to lock your vehicle, even if you are leaving it only for seconds. It only takes a moment for it to be stolen.

"Leave absolutely nothing on show."

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