Burglars Caught on CCTV Stealing £12,000 in Lingerie and Sex Toys
Two men were apprehended by police within minutes of a break-in at an Ann Summers store, leading to the recovery of stolen goods.
CCTV footage captured two burglars smashing their way into an Ann Summers store in Nottingham and making off with approximately £12,000 worth of merchandise, including lingerie and sex toys. The incident occurred during the early hours of August 14.
Jason Kamal, 48, and Ashley Hillsley, 21, were seen on camera disabling an alarm panel and damaging the stockroom before loading the stolen items into a vehicle. Police responded to the scene within three minutes of the burglary report, leading to the apprehension of both men.
Body-camera footage from the arrest showed officers discovering a large quantity of Ann Summers stock in the boot of Hillsley's car. The stolen items were subsequently recovered.
Kamal initially denied involvement, despite CCTV evidence showing his face. Hillsley claimed he was coerced into participating, stating his role was limited to lookout and assistance, and that he was promised a significant sum of money. He expressed a desire not to be perceived as 'a nobody'.
Kamal also faced charges for a separate burglary at Professional Mobile in Arnold, Nottingham, on July 28, where electronic devices valued at £13,000 were stolen. Evidence linking him to this crime included a vape left at the scene containing his DNA and the use of a phone stolen from the store. He was also connected to four other store break-ins.
Kamal and Hillsley appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on October 15. Kamal pleaded guilty to six counts of burglary, while Hillsley admitted to one count of burglary. Kamal was sentenced to three years in prison. Hillsley received an 18-month community order, which includes probation requirements and 150 hours of unpaid work.
Chief Inspector Kylie Davies of Nottinghamshire Police commended the swift actions of the responding officers, noting their success in detaining the suspects and recovering the stolen goods. She emphasized that these were not sophisticated criminals and that all evidence led to their guilty pleas. Davies also highlighted that business crime has victims and that the police dedicated significant effort to ensure justice for the affected businesses and their staff.