Dog walker collared thief by trapping him in van and calling police

A dog walker trapped a would-be thief inside the van he broke into until the police arrived, Dundee Sheriff Court has heard.

Angus Stewart, 38, of Kemnay Gardens, Dundee, pleaded guilty to being found in the van on Sandeman Street without lawful authority and with the intention to commit theft in the early hours of Monday morning.

Depute fiscal Laura Bruce told the court: “At 1.45am a nearby resident was walking his dog close to the locus and saw Mr Stewart looking into cars and trying doors.

“He saw him enter the van, so the dog walker placed his weight against the door to stop him from exiting and called the police.”

Stewart was out on licence at the time of the offence and was returned to prison for the 116 days remaining on his previous sentence plus 60 days for the new offence.

Sheriff Way told Stewart: “You were on licence for theft by finding.

“You can’t expect anything other than being returned to prison.”Do you know the identity of the crime-fighter? Please contact The Courier on 01382 575130 or email online@thecourier.co.uk