Sheffield man caught on CCTV stealing crane from Derbyshire construction site
He was part of a group who tried to make off with the crane
A man from Sheffield has appeared in court after being caught stealing a crane.
John Patrick Lee appeared in Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court on August 27 after police used CCTV to connect him to the robbery.
It is reported that 33-year-old Lee, of Long Acre View in the Holbrook area of Sheffield, was among a group who used power tools to gain access to a site in Derbyshire.
Once inside, they damaged a flatbed to rock the crane off and steal it.
They then caused further damage by cutting the brakes of another vehicle so they could move it out of the way.
Police connected Lee to the crime thanks to footage that captures the incident, and he went on to plead guilty to the offence.
He has since been sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.
Lee has also been ordered to complete 200 hours of community service and pay a £187 surcharge.
A spokesperson from Derbyshire police’s rural crime team said: “This case is a great example of how CCTV can provide vital evidence and help identify offenders, even when they believe they can carry out a crime and leave without being caught.
“Don’t make it easy for criminals. Check your CCTV, review your security and make sure valuable equipment is properly protected.”