Pitshanger community help stop one man crime wave

A 35-year-old man described as a 'prolific offender' has been jailed for stealing from St Barnabas church - thanks to the combined work of police, community and businesses in Pitshanger.

James Joyce, 35 of Copley Close, W7, was sentenced to a total of 24 weeks imprisonment at Ealing Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 20 January for two counts of theft in Ealing in November 2013.

On 10 and 17 November 2013 Joyce went to St. Barnabas Church, Pitshanger Lane, W5 and stole mobile phones.

Police viewed CCTV at the location which showed Joyce rummaging through bags.

PC Edwin Ade, from Cleveland Safer Neighbourhoods Team, sent Joyce’s description to local Neighbourhood Watch organisations, Business Watch and key individual networks.

On Saturday 23 November 2013, whilst on foot patrol in Pitshanger Village, PC Ade and PCSO Lee Briden were informed that a person matching the description of Joyce was in Pitshanger Lane. The officers immediately made their way to the location of the sighting and arrested him.

Joyce initially denied the offences. However, faced with the overwhelming evidence at court gathered from the local community, Joyce fully admitted the offences.

Police Sergeant James Ayling, from Ealing Local Policing team said:

'' This is a great example of local officers at grass routes using local knowledge to solve crimes and to dramatically improve community confidence in the police. Joyce is a prolific thief and I have no doubt that if he had not been arrested he would have continued with his activities. Pitshanger Village will be a much safer place to live and visit for the time he spends in prison.''

27th January 2014