Thief caught hiding in dustbin after theft

Nottinghamshire Police reported that 37-year-old Ashley Lawrence broke into the Gray & Bull Opticians shop on Pelham Street shortly after 5:00 a.m. (GMT) on November 5.

CCTV captured him stealing around 50 "high-value" sunglasses and eyeglass frames, estimated to be worth £8,000.

Lawrence was spotted on Saturday and, when police chased him, tried to evade capture by hiding in a large bin. However, he was arrested at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Monday and admitted the theft. He was subsequently sentenced to one year in prison.

Police said CCTV footage showed Lawrence using his body weight to break a glass door before vandalizing the premises.

Police reported that Lawrence, of no fixed address, was seen by an employee "loitering near the store."

He tried to evade capture by hiding in a commercial trash bin next to St. Peter's Church, but police found him, and members of the public helped him.

Lawrence, who was wanted for recall to prison, was taken into custody.

Arresting officer PC Ben King said: "This was an appalling crime and I'd like to thank the staff member and the public for helping us apprehend Lawrence."