Burglar's Failed Hide-and-Seek Attempt Leads to Prison Sentence
A burglar in Nottinghamshire who attempted to evade police by hiding under a pile of clothes has been sentenced to 876 days in prison. The incident unfolded when officers from the county priority tasking team visited a property in Rufford Close, Hucknall, on October 30, 2025.
The Discovery Under the Coats
Police were searching for Carl Thomas, aged 58, following reports linking him to a burglary and an attempted break-in. While investigating a messy bedroom, officers heard rustling sounds emanating from beneath a heap of coats. Upon moving the garments, they discovered Thomas concealed among them.
He was immediately arrested for burglary, but protested to officers, "I don't do burglaries." However, evidence contradicted his claim, including CCTV footage from October 3 showing him stealing a handbag from a Hucknall home and attempting to use a stolen bank card at a shop.
Evidence and Identification
Neighbourhood officers from Ashfield had previously reviewed footage from two separate incidents:
- A burglary on October 3 where Thomas stole a handbag.
- An attempted break-in at a garage on September 14.
This evidence enabled authorities to identify Thomas, prompting the tasking team's visit to the Rufford Close address. His attempt to hide proved futile, leading to his swift apprehension.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Thomas, of Montague Road, Hucknall, pleaded guilty to burglary, attempted burglary, and fraud by false representation during a court appearance in January. He returned to Nottingham Crown Court on March 20, where he received an 876-day prison sentence, equivalent to approximately two years and four months.
Detective Sergeant Adam Penn of Nottinghamshire Police commented on the case, stating, "Carl Thomas' discovery showcased the game of cat and mouse our officers are often forced to play with criminals. Even when we'd managed to track down his location – to the very room he was in – Thomas still tried his best to hide under a pile of coats."
He added, "Despite his best efforts though, his hiding place was quickly rumbled, and we were ultimately able to charge him with a series of offences, including burglary. We were really pleased to see the strength of our case prompt Thomas to admit what he'd done, while it was great to see him subsequently jailed for his actions too."
The case highlights the diligent work of local police in tackling burglary and ensuring offenders face justice through thorough investigations and evidence collection.
