Man jailed for stealing bank cards from cars in Aldershot
He used the stolen cards to make purchases in shops
A man has been sentenced to 26 weeks in prison for stealing bank cards from cars and using them in shops in Aldershot.
William Wilkes, 26, of no fixed abode, accessed three vehicles in the town earlier this month and took cash and bank cards from them, which he later used to buy items.
Police charged Wilkes with multiple offences, including theft from a motor vehicle, handling stolen goods, and fraud by false representation.
Wilkes pleaded guilty to all charges and received his sentence at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on 28th October 2026.
Police Sergeant Rob Tiller from the Aldershot Neighbourhood Policing Team acknowledged the community impact of such thefts and hoped Wilkes' sentencing would reassure local residents.
“These incidents are often opportunistic," Sergeant Tiller said, adding that thieves would either try unlocked doors or smash windows to grab items.
He advised vehicle owners to double-check their cars for belongings and encouraged continued reporting to help guide and improve police efforts.