A woman who stole a young girl’s birthday presents after targeting two parked cars in Netherfield has been jailed for 46 weeks.
Amy Bird was caught on CCTV breaking into vehicles in Cross Street and Manvers Street during the early hours of June 11.
One victim reported that cash, a spare car key and a pair of sunglasses had been stolen from their vehicle.
But in a particularly upsetting theft, another car owner discovered the next morning that birthday presents intended for her daughter had vanished. Among the missing items were a dance mat and Barbie toys.
Police identified Bird after reviewing CCTV footage from the area and arrested the 39-year-old shortly afterwards.
Bird, who has no fixed address, later admitted two counts of theft from a motor vehicle.
She also pleaded guilty to a separate shoplifting offence after stealing laundry products and butter from the Co-op in Mansfield Road on May 30.
Appearing before Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on July 4, Bird was sentenced to a total of 46 weeks behind bars.
Inspector Steven King, Gedling’s local area commander, welcomed the sentence.
He said: “We know vehicle crime has been a concern for residents in the Netherfield area, so this jail sentence is very welcome.
“We saw an increase in reports of this nature earlier in the year and this was an important arrest.
“Bird was identified from CCTV footage by officers from another neighbourhood team so I’m grateful their knowledge has led to this outcome in court.
“Additional patrols in the area, alongside educating residents about how to avoid becoming a victim of vehicle crime, will continue.”
Police said tackling vehicle crime remains a priority in the area following a rise in reports earlier this year.
