Serial burglar caught by CCTV

Karl Grundy broke into five restaurants and shops in Blackpool and stole more than £5,000 worth of property and cash from them.

Grundy was caught because he was careless, leaving his fingerprints at two of the crime scenes and appearing on CCTV at another.

Grundy, 40, of Sherbourne Road, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to five offences of burglary.

Pam Smith, prosecuting, said Grundy broke into five premises between April 4 and May 22.

They included the Yahgo takeaway where he stole £200 cash, Molloys where he took a till and cash totalling £300, the Chinese Buffet restaurant where £3,086 of property was taken including computer equipment, the Coffee Shop which had £411 of stock plus a charity box taken, and Eye Candy where £860 of goods was stolen.

The prosecutor said Grundy left a fingerprint on a coffee urn and a coke can and at a restaurant he was caught on CCTV.

Mrs Smith added: “The prosecution says he is a prolific burglar and thief and if bailed he will continue to commit offences.”

Kathryn Jamieson-Sinclair, defending, said Grundy had combated a former drugs problem and become someone who counselled and supported drugs addicts.

As a result of a bereavement and the breakdown of a relationship, Grundy had returned to taking drugs and this had brought him before the court, she added.

Grundy was refused bail and remanded in custody to appear at Preston Crown Court for sentence on July 6 by Blackpool magistrates.