Prison for knife carrying bike thief

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Swindon Travel Hub

Carlos do Poco, 47 of no fixed address in Swindon pleaded guilty to theft, shoplifting and possession of a lock knife.

He was sentenced to a total of 20 weeks in prison at a Swindon Magistrates hearing on 14 September 2018. A £380 compensation order was made and he is required to pay a £115 victim surcharge.

On 8 September,  Carlos do Poco stole a bike and helmet which had been locked to railings in Regent Circus car park, Swindon. The owner reported to police that he had finished his night shift and returned to find his bike and belongings gone which totaled £380.

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Four days later, do Poco stole 24 LOL toys valued at £360 from The Entertainer but fortunately was captured on CCTV.

Local officers analysing footage from both areas were able to identify do Poco as a main suspect for both incidents and the following day located him in Queens Drive. He was acting suspiciously and tried to evade the officers but was quickly detained. When he was searched officers found a lock knife his bag.

PC Paul Bezzant said: “This man is a prolific offender and this case shows the real possibility of a prison sentence for having a knife in your possession. It doesn’t matter if you don’t use it we will still take action against anyone carrying a knife or weapon.

“Bike theft is a concern for us and we understand its not just the financial aspect but also the bike can often be a victim’s only mode of transport, as in this case. The victim relied on his bike to get to and from work and was a keen cyclist in his leisure time.”

If you have any information about bike or other thefts in your area or are suspicious that someone may be carrying a knife please call us on 101 or call 999 if a crime is in progress.

Or call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 where details may be left anonymously if preferred.

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