A prolific thief who returned to crime and stole personal possessions from cars in Carlisle while homeless has found himself back in a court dock.
Craig James Weaver’s loot during a spree in the early hours of Saturday morning included sunglasses, a skilled tradesman’s tools and a woman’s energy drinks.
Carlisle police had issued a public appeal for information on March 1 after becoming aware of thefts from motor vehicles in the Currock area of Carlisle.
Officers appealed on social media for any witnesses or those who suspected that items had been taken to get in touch.
They said a man was in custody. And at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court today, 45-year-old Craig James Weaver admitted four separate offences; three relating to thefts from vehicles and one of vehicle interference involving a Ford Transit van.
Prosecutor Peter Kelly said a male resident had seen Weaver in his wife’s car at around 5.30am on Saturday, and contacted police.
“Officers arrived and ultimately the defendant was arrested,” Mr Kelly told the court. “It was apparent the defendant has other items of property in his possession.”
Weaver had stolen from three different vehicles, one — belonging to the tradesman — having reportedly been ransacked. Two knives, leather gloves and a large torch, in total worth £200, were taken from that vehicle and had not been recovered.
Items taken from the other cars were found by police. No damage was reported to any of the vehicles.
Weaver, of no fixed address, had 64 theft offences on his criminal record.
A probation officer who interviewed Weaver before he was sentenced said there was a pattern of behaviour, with his last similar offence being committed in 2023.
“Our contact with Mr Weaver ended in December last year. One of the major problems he tells me he has is that he is homeless,” said the officer. “It is noted that when he does have accommodation it is positive for him.”
Chris Toms, mitigating, said of Weaver: “This is a man who has had a lot of trouble in his life. He has been homeless for a lot of his life and, when homeless, commits crimes.”
Deputy district judge Anna Moran imposed a 12-month community order, as recommended by the probation officer to offer support and curb future offending. This would link Weaver with other agencies in a bid to find him a stable home.
Weaver must complete rehabilitation work and a three-month drug rehabilitation requirement; and pay £200 compensation to the man whose possessions remain missing.
“You know the consequences if you don’t complete the order,” said the deputy district judge as she issued a prison warning. “You know the consequences if you commit more offences.”
