Big-eared crook with distinctive neck tattoo is caught after trying to disguise himself – with just a pair of glasses
- David Springthorpe, 30, was being hunted by officers for shoplifting offences
- He breached a court order and tried to disguise himself by wearing spectacles
- Springthorpe, of Derbyshire, was captured and find costs of more than £200
A big-eared thief with a distinctive neck tattoo was captured by police after trying to disguise himself – by donning a pair of glasses.
David Springthorpe, 30, was being hunted by officers for breaching a court order as well as number of shoplifting offences.
But Derbyshire police didn’t need to look far to find the thief after spotting him in the street despite attempts to ‘change to his image’ by sporting a pair of glasses.
David Springthorpe, 30, was being hunted by officers for breaching a court order as well as number of shoplifting offences. But Derbyshire police didn’t need to look far to find the thief after spotting him in the street despite attempts to ‘change to his image’ with a pair of glasses
Comical mug shots show Springthorpe’s poor attempt at a disguise after he was arrested on Market Street, in South Normanton, Derbyshire on Saturday.
He was subsequently charged with the theft of several perfume and gift sets from Boots and jailed for 30 weeks at Chesterfield Justice Centre.
South Normanton and Pinxton Safer Neighbourhood Team, part of Derbyshire Police, shared details of Springthorpe’s ‘cunning’ disguise on social media.
They wrote: ‘David Springthorope was recently detained by PCSO Tom Smedley after a short foot chase in South Normanton.
‘Springthorpe was wanted on Prison Recall as well as for a number of shoplifting offences.
‘Springthorpe has recently changed his image by sporting a pair of glasses – fortunately, this was not quite cunning enough to outsmart the team.
‘He was convicted of the thefts and sentenced to a 30 week custodial sentence.’
Web users took to social media to mock the criminal’s attempt to deceive officers despite his distinctive appearance.
Tom Armstrong wrote: ‘Pleased with the custodial sentence. Doubt it will make much difference though. Unfortunately it’s in one ear, out the other with people like him. ‘
Angela May said: ‘On reflection, David realised the Mickey Mouse earmuffs may have been less conspicuous than he first thought and was regretting his choice of the Micheal Cane style glasses.’
Tim Bottomley put: ‘Yes mate, those glasses completely disguise the fact you’ve got massive ears and a neck tattoo. PMSL He looks exactly the same.’
Paul Chumbley added: ‘Love him or lobe him… it looks like he’s a criminal..’
Springthorpe, of Alfreton was previously in court in January for stealing steak worth £20 from a Co-Op store.
A judge fined him £80 and ordered him to pay £20 compensation, a £30 victim surcharge and £85 costs after the court heard he was a heroin and crack cocaine user.