Merseyside farmer snares thief who raided his farm by tracking him down on eBay

Jan 31 2013 by Rob Pattinson, Liverpool Echo

After Mr Parkinson contacted police, officers from Skelmersdale CID executed a warrant at two addresses in Southport last October.

They found items stolen from more than a dozen West Lancashire farms worth around £15,000, including two valuable mountain bikes.

Christopher Taylor, 27, from Crescent Road, Southport, was jailed for five months at Liverpool Crown Court after admitting the Tarleton break-in on September 28.

He also had 15 other raids, which took place in August and September, taken into consideration by the judge. An eight- month suspended sentence for wounding which had been hanging over Taylor at the time was also activated, making a total of 13 months.

Michael Hagerty, defending, said Taylor, who pleaded guilty, had been unemployed and in financial difficulties at the time of the offences. Mr Parkinson said: “For a small business, £4,000 is a lot. It wasn’t worth claiming because of the increase to my insurance premiums, so I was delighted to get the stuff back. But if the police want my help in future and the pay is right, I’d be happy to help them out!”

Sgt Steve Monk said: “The warrant was issued after we received community intelligence. We are always grateful for this and do rely on local residents helping us to fight crime.”