Thief’s swoop on unlocked van ended with him behind bars

Stealing expensive items from an unlocked van proved to be a disastrous move for a thief who was spotted by someone who knew him.

Lee McLaren, 39, currently a prisoner, admitted that on February 11 at New Flockhouse, Lochore, he entered an insecure motor vehicle and stole a quantity of power tools and a satellite navigation system.

He also admitted on February 12 at Kirkcaldy police station being in possession of diamorphine with intent to supply.

Depute fiscal Alex Piper said the vehicle was parked outside the owner’s home and had been left unlocked by mistake.

At around 6am a neighbour saw McLaren going into the vehicle. He recognised him and sent a text message to the van owner to tell him what he had seen. When the man saw the message, he checked his vehicle and saw there were items missing. He contacted police but also obtained the culprit’s phone number and called him.

“The accused said he would return the property as he did not know it was his van,” added the depute.

McLaren was on his way to hand back the loot when he saw that police had arrived.

Officers stopped him as he walked towards the house with the stolen tools in a bag. He said he had “stashed” the navigation system but all the goods, valued at £489, were recovered.

McLaren said he had stolen the items because they were “available and on show”.

McLaren got into further trouble after being taken to the police station.

During a search, a Kinder egg fell to the floor containing heroin with a value of £1,900.

Sheriff Charles MacNair called for reports and McLaren will be sentenced on May 2.