A THIEF was trapped by a police "sting" after breaking into a car officers had left full of items to entice crooks.

Burnley magistrates were told that Jason McCourt, 31, went back to the car six times as he stole the large amount of goods in the car.

But police had filmed his crimes with hidden video surveillance equipment.

Wendy Chappell, prosecuting, said police had deployed the vehicle in Colne and left it with goods including mobile phones, a satellite navigation holder and an electric saw.

The following morning, the door of the car was ajar, the glove box was open and all the items had been taken. McCourt, of Basil Street, Colne, sold the haul on for £30.

But after police checked the footage, they arrested him and charged him with theft.

At court McCourt admitted theft and asked for five offences of stealing from cars to be considered.

He was given a community order with 12 months supervision, told to go on the addressing substance-related offending programme and given a drug rehabilitation requirement.

He must also pay £250 compensation.

McCourt had been caught on video equipment and went back to the vehicle six times.

The defendant, who had been to jail, had 37 previous convictions.

John Rusius, defending, said McCourt was anxious to have a clean slate.

He started with a drug problem when he suffered depression following his brother's suicide, Mr Rusius said.